Windows 7 Installation - Prepare PC to be Sold

HandsomeP · 30 Apr 2012

Great tutorial. Four newbie questions if you will permit me...

1. After wiping the disk (CLEAN ALL), I would need to create a new partition before installing the operating system, is that correct?

The reason I ask is as follows... I am selling my old computer for which I have the Windows XP installation disk. I have a new computer which is running Windows 7. I am in the process of completing the CLEAN ALL command on my old computer's hard drive (which I have inserted into my new computer as a secondary disk). Assuming that completes OK (it's nerve wracking staring at that flashing cursor for 60 minutes without any way of monitoring progress), the next step would be to create a partition on my old drive.

2. I wanted to give it the drive letter "C:" (seems to be standard) but that drive letter is already in use on my new computer, not sure if that would work?

3. If I put my old hard drive (without any partition) into my old computer there would be no way to install the OS, is that correct (i.e. I have to create the partition using the OS on my new computer)?

4. If I create the partition on my old hard drive from my new computer in Windows 7, I can still install Windows XP, is that correct (i.e. the creation of the partition is not really tied to the OS)?

Thank you in advance!

seavixen32 · 30 Apr 2012

When you have wiped the old hard drive, remove it from the Windows 7 computer and install it back into the old computer.

Boot into Windows XP for a clean install on the old computer.

During the install process you'll be able to partition the drive as you want. Windows will automatically allocate the drive letter C to the drive.

Do not try and install Windows XP to the old drive while it is still installed in the Windows 7 computer otherwise you'll mess up the Windows 7 boot files.

Install Windows XP

HandsomeP · 30 Apr 2012

Excellent, glad it works that way!

It might be helpful (not sure if I am qualified to make suggestions) for OP to add a note to step 2 of Phase 1 of this tutorial that you may ignore the setting up of partitions in the tutorial that is referenced (unless perhaps my case is unique)?

After the CLEAN ALL completed, when I go back into Disk Manager, it says: "You must initialize a disk before Local Disk Manager can access it." Should I complete this "step" now, or do this with the old hard drive in the new computer during the installation of Windows XP?

Lastly, could someone tell me if the CTRL + SHIFT + F3 Audit Mode step described in the tutorial also works in XP?

Again, thank you!

Kari · 30 Apr 2012

Creating partitions during installation is so basic procedure I see no point in adding information twice. Phase 2 step 1 links to an installation tutorial where all relevant information is given.

Remember that you can install Windows simply by selecting Unallocated Space (=wiped, empty HD) when installation asks where you want to install.

You can enter Audit Mode from XP simply by running command sysprep /audit /reboot if existing system, or by giving username System when installation stops to ask initial username (no password). This enters XP desktop without creating any user accounts. From there use sysprep /audit /reboot to enter Audit Mode.

Kari

ICIT2LOL · 22 Oct 2012

Just quick query Kari before I get to the naming of the machine I clean any drive using the DISKPART method that WHS uses for SSD's and sometimes a wipe with the Partition Wizard and then just install.

Am I just going a bit over the top??

Oops sorry didn't catch that ref to DISKPART at the start

Golden · 23 Oct 2012

DISKPART CLEANALL = Partition Wizard wipe : essentially no difference between the two

ICIT2LOL · 23 Oct 2012

Golden said:

DISKPART CLEANALL = Partition Wizard wipe : essentially no difference between the two

Thanks Golden I am by nature a bit of an overkill sort if you didn't know that already LOL!! Ended up DISKPART- ing the drive as for some reason the PW wouldn't couldn't "see" it.

Anyway all up and running. :)

smeyers2 · 20 Jan 2013

Exceeeelent ! Thank You !

Kari · 21 Jan 2013

You are welcome, Smeyers2.

Kari

starchase · 31 Aug 2013

Sorry to reply to an old thread but is there a similar process in Vista? I searched the Vista forum but couldn't find anything about this, and it's a brilliant way to retire and give away an old machine.

Regards.

Windows 7 Installation - Prepare PC to be Sold

Which computer (new vs old) handles which processes?