Partition etc for clean install of Win 7 pro

[sportflyer]

I checked the 2 drives on this new computer and yes both C and D partitions are indeed primary partitions .

In case you guys are wondering why all these questions , I bought this "new" computer from a friend of a friend who was a PC game designer. He relocated and did not want to bring this machine with him .I suppose he wants to upgrade to more powerful computer. The Computer details: Core 2 duo E6600 , MSI 7241 , BFG GF8800 GTS , 2G PC 5300 RAM. Airlink N Wireless adapter , 2x USB HD tuners . 2 XHDD . OS is Vista 32bit SP2. All documentation provided . He did a good job cleaning up all the drives etc. so its clean . My only peave right now is that the primary user is still in his name. I can't change that easily . I have not loaded any mail or office etc so there is no big deal losing any user data . I do have movies in the 1T drive. I am still exploring Vista coming from a XP .

2 new questions:

a) If I install Linux on drive #2 , the easiest is to install it in the second partition ( ie in the last 20G of the 1T drive) , does it make any difference if its there vs at the first 20G ?

b) I am a bit confused about Windows activation policy. From what I understand I can make as many clean installs as I need on the same machine ( meaning same mobo , ) without needing new key provided I have a non OEM version of software . If I first install win7 pro ( I have new retail version) on my existing mobo then later on change the mobo and do another clean install will I need to contact Msoft for new Key ? Will this be a problem ?

Tks

 

[gregrocker]

You own that retail version key for life and can migrate it as you please, or reinstall it as many times as you want.

If you reinstall on same machine, it is unlikely it will require the robocall as it will see the same hardware signature.

When you migrate or change hardware, it often requires a robocall where you exchange a series of numbers that deactivate it on old hardware and activate with the new hardware signature.

 

[sportflyer]

So in my particular case it does not really matter whether I change mobo now or later . Tks

 

[AngelProcesser]

"My only peave right now is that the primary user is still in his name. I can't change that easily ."

Control Panel>User accounts>Manage another account>Create New User

make sure it's an admin account type

Logout of current user

Login to new user

Add a password to new account using user accounts

in user accounts>manage another account>delete an account

delete old account (remove files also)

If user left any pertinent files you want, copy to another drive (after creating new account) first.

 

[sportflyer]

"My only peave right now is that the primary user is still in his name. I can't change that easily ."

Control Panel>User accounts>Manage another account>Create New User

make sure it's an admin account type

Logout of current user

Login to new user

Add a password to new account using user accounts

in user accounts>manage another account>delete an account

delete old account (remove files also)

If user left any pertinent files you want, copy to another drive (after creating new account) first.

Thanks . I will fix it when I do a fresh install of Win7 Pro.

 

[AngelProcesser]

The instructions can be used after W7 installation, and were intended to remedy the noted issue.