Fresh Windows 7 Install problems

[awppsu]

So I am currently building a computer and my friend was able to get me a free Windows 7 as he works for a University. I sit down to install it and get to the part where I need to enter the product code. It comes up as Invalid, thats when I realize the Windows 7 he got was an Upgrade version. Hes heading back to get a full install. Sounds like no problems, right?

Well I have an SSD coming in, (That last install was on an HDD) and I want to Install the Windows 7 on the SSD. Thing is though the HDD is sitting there waiting for me to enter this product code for Windows 7... is this going to cause problems? Is there a way to format a HDD from BIOS or some such?

 

[Binky]

Try googling windows 7 double install for your first question.

Your second question isn't clear. There isn't any way to format from bios. You can boot to some utility or bootable operating system from a CD/USB drive and format from there, but on an SSD you really should let Win7 do the format. Be sure to enable AHCI first too...

 

[awppsu]

I'm not sure if this double install thing will work for me, as I currently have NO version of windows on this computer, and this seems to be intended to do a clean install with an Upgrade Version of Windows?

My big question is that since my HDD is currently waiting for Windows to be activated with a product key, and windows has pretty much been "installed" on it, will that cause problems when I try to install windows on the SSD?

 

[ViRGE]

I'm not sure if this double install thing will work for me, as I currently have NO version of windows on this computer, and this seems to be intended to do a clean install with an Upgrade Version of Windows?

My big question is that since my HDD is currently waiting for Windows to be activated with a product key, and windows has pretty much been "installed" on it, will that cause problems when I try to install windows on the SSD?

No, you won't have any major problems. At worst, you'll just have to reformat the HDD from within the Windows installer.

 

[pete1229]

There is an excellent freeware program called EASEUS Partition Master which has an option to wipe a drive. If you can download it onto a working computer with an external enclosure cou can pop that HDD into it and use EASEUS to wipe it clean.

 

[awppsu]

There is an excellent freeware program called EASEUS Partition Master which has an option to wipe a drive. If you can download it onto a working computer with an external enclosure cou can pop that HDD into it and use EASEUS to wipe it clean.

Yeah I was thinking of plugging it into my old comp to wipe it. Do I need a special program though? I thought Windows could easily wipe it itself as long as it doesn't have the main OS on it?

 

[pete1229]

Your right, Windows will wipe it. I just use that program quite often (I repair PC's) since it is packed with some nice features for creating and editing partitions as well.

 

[awppsu]

Your right, Windows will wipe it. I just use that program quite often (I repair PC's) since it is packed with some nice features for creating and editing partitions as well.

I'll be sure to give it a look.

Also when you fresh Install Windows doesn't it let you set up partitions?

 

[ViRGE]

I'll be sure to give it a look.

Also when you fresh Install Windows doesn't it let you set up partitions?

It will let you format/delete partitions, and it definitely lets you create a partition out of a whole disk. I can't recall if it lets you subdivide a disk into multiple partitions though.

 

[awppsu]

It will let you format/delete partitions, and it definitely lets you create a partition out of a whole disk. I can't recall if it lets you subdivide a disk into multiple partitions though.

Ah I see cool cool. I've never thought to ask this, but can you partition a SSD? Tho since I am only get a 96gb might not even bother.

 

[ViRGE]

Ah I see cool cool. I've never thought to ask this, but can you partition a SSD? Tho since I am only get a 96gb might not even bother.

Sure. MBR formatting lets you have up to 3 primary partitions.

 

[awppsu]

Cool cool, thanks for answering all my questions!