Windows7 from XP Pro install query

[Quasi]

I am trying to do a clean install Windows7 in place of an existing XP Pro operating system. I have followed Windows Easy - Transfer to & from Computers procedure. All backed up to external drive K - I have tried this once but for some reason instead of installing on the C drive it went to another drive D. I did not see during the installation and options saying the drive to install to. I expect I will need to format D to get rid of it. Having done that is it best to disconnect D so this does not happen again? Should I also switch off the external drive K till the installation is complete?

Help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[brady]

Was your OS installed to d: or is your file transfer defaulting to D: while your os is on the c: ?

 

[Quasi]

Thanks for quick reply.

XP is on the C Drive (marked as system) Windows7 is now on the second drive D

What's the quickest and best way to format the D drive, from "Computer Management" screen (Disc Management) it won't let me do a format, I get a Red Cross notification. Perhaps it's due to an operating system being installed.

 

[Quasi]

Sorry I did not say, it's still booting XP Pro from the C drive.

 

[gregrocker]

Can you please post back a screenshot of full Disk Management drive map so we can advise you better: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-how-post-screenshot-seven-forums.html

It may be as simple as unplugging D: to install Win7, then plugging back in D: to format using Disk Mgmt, or if necessary DISKPART commands from new Win7, or a 3rd party partition manager.

 

[Quasi]

I will do as you suggest, disconnect D, then do the installation of Windows 7 to the C drive followed by reconnection of the D drive then format it from Windows 7 - seems the best option.

Thanks for the help, will report back when done.

 

[gregrocker]

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

When you plug D: drive back in, if it causes problems with new C:Win7 booting, boot into Win7 DVD Repair console, open a Command Line and type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (# for XP drive)
INACTIVE
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION LOGICAL
SELECT PARTITION 1
ASSIGN LETTER=D:
FORMAT
EXIT

You can also run these commands as Admin from Win7 Command Prompt if Disk Mgmt won't delete D:

 

[Quasi]

Hi All, Job done Windows7 working great second drive reformatted and up and running, quite a simple task in the end. Thanks for all the great advice.

 

[Saltgrass]

On your first install, did you boot to the Windows Install DVD? I have not seen a custom install where the option of where to place the install is not given.

 

[Quasi]

I know now that the option to select a drive was given. My problem was that when asked which drive to install to it was showing my drives as "0" & "1" so I assumed that 0 was my c drive and 1 was my d drive. In fact they were the wrong way around, so I installed to the incorrect drive.

Thanks to everyone for your help.