New Install: HD Partition Question

[k5knt]

Hi all,

I recently downloaded Windows 7 RC and I'm now ready to install it on my old Toshiba Satellite laptop. This will be a clean install, and I have already removed all partitions that were on the HD with GParted. The HD is 150GB and I would like to create a partition of about 45GB for my data and leave the rest for the system. I plan on keeping the majority of my music on an external 1TB HD.

Does anyone here create a seperate partition for their data? With this setup, will Windows 7 still create the 200MB partition I've heard mentioned here?

My previous OS was XP Home SP3. I've had no experience with Vista.

Thanks,

Kent

 

[pparks1]

For me, Windows 7 created a 100MB system reserved partition. I also have 2 partitions defined, one that is smaller for the OS and one that is much larger for my data.

 

[Antman]

The install process is MUCH improved since XP. You will be presented with a screen early in the install where you can set up your partitions. You sound as if you have the necessary experience to make this a simple process for yourself. Go ahead with your install and you will be fine.

 

[SIW2]

Hi k5,

In my experience, if you already have an Active partition on the HD, 7 will use that as the system partition and will not create the 100mb system partition.

 

[k5knt]

Thank you for the prompt replies. What exactly is installed on this "system partition"?

OK, I should have searched before I posted the above question. I have now found the answer.

 

[bigmutt]

What if I already have two partitions, equal size, the second one is empty, and I want to install Win7 in this second partition, keeping my current XP partition (dual boot)?
Will Win7 still create another 100 or 200 mb partition?

thanks; this is my first post here.

 

[Sassa]

What if I already have two partitions, equal size, the second one is empty, and I want to install Win7 in this second partition, keeping my current XP partition (dual boot)?
Will Win7 still create another 100 or 200 mb partition?

thanks; this is my first post here.

No, HDD partitions will not be changed, but Win 7 will create boot folder and information on the primary partition.

 

[bigmutt]

dual boot with Win7 and XP

thanks for the answer, Sassa.

But now I have another question: when I start to do an install of Win7 onto my second HDD partition (keeping XP on the first partition) what should I be seeing initially when booting directly from the Win7 install disk?

When it goes into Setup mode, it asks if I want Upgrade or New install. Presumably I choose New, so that it gives me a choice of which partition to use; but it says my files will be removed (and saved to something called "windows.old"). Does that mean only the files on THAT partition? obviously I want all files saved as-is on first partition where my XP is installed.

Thanks.