Solved Tech query on installation

[virkie]

I use computers but I'm not very technical.
Currently running XP.
Plan to install Win 7 on a brand new HDD.
The only items to be transferred to Win 7 on the new HDD will be photo's that will be copied to a USB stick.
Plan to remove the XP HDD during the install.
Query - if for any reason I cannot or have difficulties installing Win 7, can I just remove the Win 7 HDD and replace it with the old serviceable XP HDD.
Can I expect any problems swapping the drives back.
My non tech brain says since the XP HDD has a serviceable operating system, plugging it back in will be problem free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[whs]

Yes to all queries. But there is no reason you should not be able to install Windows 7 on the new HDD. If you hot any bumps, come here for help.

Maybe you want to first run the Win7 upgrade advisor to make sure your PC is Win7 compatible.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20

 

[carwiz]

Have you already run the Compatibility Checker?

Remove the XP disk and install the new blank disk BEFORE installing Windows 7. Clear CMOS memory then do the install.

If you have to go back, clear CMOS memory again and install the old XP disk. (Removing or at least unplugging the new disk.)

Ops, looks like we were typing at the same time.

 

[whs]

Ken, Why would you have to clean the Cmos ??

 

[Britton30]

Only one possible, not too probable issue, you may have to set the BIOS to boot from the new HDD, I've had that happen.

 

[carwiz]

It forces the BIOS to re-evaluate hardware and forces Windows to reinstall hardware drivers. And I'm not sure the XP blocking is the same as Seven blocking in the CMOS. And for sure there are changes in drivers. The BIOS stores certain driver parameters in CMOS. You could try it without clearing and see what happens. What if the boot sector is shifted on either drive? They can come from the factory with blocked sectors. What if the drives are a different type/size?

I just do it to save a lot of head scratching later.

Added: Forget the sector shift. Sector 0 is sector 0 whether it starts 100 blocks in or not.

 

[whs]

Thanks Ken for the update.

 

[virkie]

Thank you

Thank you Folks.
Your help builds my confidence. I will clear the CMOS, I still have the MB handbook.
Microsoft says all's well.
Cheers and all the Very Best for 2014.