can I do this

F

firefrost

New Member
I have Windows XP on my computer and have recently bought 7 home premium. I would like to do a few improvements to my computer before installing 7.
can the following be done ?
Can I replace my HDD with one of larger capacity and use the one I take out as an external HDD which can still run XP , then install win 7 on the new HDD.
Giving me two O S 's on the same motherboard.?
Or must I buy a new external HDD, copy everything to it , then install 7 over the existing XP. Would I lose XP as an alternative OS.?
Any comments very welcome.?
 
firefrost said:
I have Windows XP on my computer and have recently bought 7 home premium. I would like to do a few improvements to my computer before installing 7.
can the following be done ?
Can I replace my HDD with one of larger capacity and use the one I take out as an external HDD which can still run XP , then install win 7 on the new HDD.
Giving me two O S 's on the same motherboard.?
Or must I buy a new external HDD, copy everything to it , then install 7 over the existing XP. Would I lose XP as an alternative OS.?
Any comments very welcome.?
Click to expand...


Yes, this would actually be much simpler than you probably think. You will keep your old hard drive as it was, install the new hard drive and format it for the Windows 7 install. When you begin the 7 installation, install it to the new hard drive. I don't think you will encounter anything that will cause you any confusion. Download EasyBCD to configure your dual boot, to change things like default OS, time before it automatically loads the default OS, etc. Free program, and very user friendly.

Fairly straightforward stuff. Good luck :good:
 
Enjoi said:
Yes, this would actually be much simpler than you probably think. You will keep your old hard drive as it was, install the new hard drive and format it for the Windows 7 install. When you begin the 7 installation, install it to the new hard drive. I don't think you will encounter anything that will cause you any confusion. Download EasyBCD to configure your dual boot, to change things like default OS, time before it automatically loads the default OS, etc. Free program, and very user friendly.

Fairly straightforward stuff. Good luck :good:
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. I have never installed an OS before. What I was afraid of was that maybe 7 had to see XP on the computer before it would install.
Have not bought the external yet but that is the way i'd like to go. cheers.
 
firefrost said:
Thanks for that. I have never installed an OS before. What I was afraid of was that maybe 7 had to see XP on the computer before it would install.
Have not bought the external yet but that is the way i'd like to go. cheers.
Click to expand...

Sorry ,used the wrong word, I meant I have not bought the new HDD yet, getting late here in Scotland.
 
Do you have the full or upgrade version of Windows 7? I should have asked that in my first post, apologies.
 
Enjoi said:
Do you have the full or upgrade version of Windows 7? I should have asked that in my first post, apologies.
Click to expand...

I pre ordered the 7 OS two months ago thro' PC World, £45, It is the full version and comes with 32 and 64 bit discs.
I am working thro' the other requirments ie-ram [easily done] and upgrading the graphics adaptor. Once I have all the answers I will try what you suggest.
 
firefrost said:
I pre ordered the 7 OS two months ago thro' PC World, £45, It is the full version and comes with 32 and 64 bit discs.
I am working thro' the other requirments ie-ram [easily done] and upgrading the graphics adaptor. Once I have all the answers I will try what you suggest.
Click to expand...

If you have the full version you will be fine. :good:
 
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