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    Is there anyway I can install Windows 7 on a partition? Kinda complex...

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by kazaam55555, Oct 1, 2009.

  1. kazaam55555

    kazaam55555 Notebook Evangelist

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    I dont have access to a backup hard drive right now, and I dont want to lose any files. Anyway, I just got my Windows 7 disc and am eager to install it, so I dont want to wait.

    Can i like, install it on only part of the drive so I can keep the info that I currently have on Vista? Then I would just copy the data over and delete the partition.

    Thanks!
     
    kazaam55555, Oct 1, 2009
    #1
  2. Keith

    Keith Notebook Deity

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    The easiest way would be to shrink the partition that Vista is on and create a new partition in the newly created unused space. Set the new partition to active and install Windows 7 on that.

    The only sticky point I think though is, if I follow what I think you are saying, is that if you blow away your Vista install and partiton after the Windows 7 install, and then try to make it one drive again with just Windows 7, it's going to screw up the boot loader and partition table and Windows 7 will not be able to boot. At least that's what I think what will happen.
     
    Keith, Oct 1, 2009
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  3. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    All you would have to do is edit the BCD before you formatted the Vista partition. Since you have to edit the BCD to dual boot in the first place, it's not going to be an issue.
     
    Lithus, Oct 1, 2009
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  4. mtarm1

    mtarm1 Notebook Evangelist

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    yep will work... download and install easybcd and use that to edit the bootloader... im actually going to do the same thing... good luck :)
     
    mtarm1, Oct 2, 2009
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  5. gazzacbr

    gazzacbr Notebook Evangelist

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    this should answer your own question. i have 5 os's and 2 data partitions on my hard disk and swap/change/resize them frequently. i have at least 2 copies of each os, 1 of them external and would not recommend doing anything with your os without a backup (or 2)
    boring, yes, safe yes, sorry, no.
    (i use acronis true image)
     
    gazzacbr, Oct 4, 2009
    #5