Reformat or s/u partitions on Win 7 Pro install

[trstew]

Hi, I'm a Newbie (wait, don't leave!)

I have a WD20EARX drive I previously used to record films from DirectTV on, and want to use it as a new HDD on an older custom-made PC (my first) with a DX48BT2 (Intel) motherboard. Is this data going to give me any problems when I boot from my Win7 DVD on the custom install, or can I just reformat and be on my way? Will I be able to setup partitions (not that I know what partitions I want or what is usually recommended)? As far as I've been able to determine, this 2 TB drive will be OK with my board.

Also, would there be any reason for me to retain the existing HDD (XP) and do a dual-boot setup - as far as I recall, I really just need some of the data off it...

I hope my newbie questions are not toooo lame; I would greatly appreciate any advice on this fundamental topic! Thanks!

 

[AddRAM]

Well, if it has the proper data and power connections......

Unplug the XP hard drive.
Install the other hard drive, delete it down to un allocated space. Steps 6 and 7
Install Windows 7 Pro.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[gregrocker]

Delete all partitions during the booted install using the Drive Options pictured in Steps 7/8 of Clean Install Windows 7 and then create and format your partitions, select the first partition (ignoring the small boot partition it will create) to install.

There is discussion about deciding on your partitioning and many other tips to get and keep a perfect install in these steps for Clean Reinstall Windows 7.