Question about upgrading to Windows 8 from 7, does the install affect the BIOS ?

[jaytone1]

This is what I want to do. I need to learn Windows 8 to help customers with the new OS.
I have a Dell tower with Windows 7 (computer is about 4 years old). My plan is to clone the hard drive to another hard drive, remove the first one which will have Windows 7 and upgrade the cloned h.d. to Windows 8. My fear is that if I remove the h.d that has Windows 8 and put the original h.d. with Windows 7, it may no longer work if the Windows 8 install changed the BIOS.
So, will I be able to put the Windows 7 h.d. back in with no problems or does the install of Windows 8 change the BIOS making it impossible to use the first h.d.
Thanks

 

[atguy10]

The BIOS will not be changed. The original hard drive should work fine when you connect it back.

Just don't hook up both hard drives at the same time. That might alter the boot record on one of the hard drives, causing it not to boot up properly. This happened to me once.

 

[JackMDS]

Get one of this, install and hook to the motherboard with same cables that go to the Org HD.

That is it, when you want Win 8 open the door and use the Win 8 HD.

Otherwise, use a second Drive with Win 7.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817998041

But Hey I want also to use a Laptop HD or an SSD.

No problem get also one of these and use it with a 2.5" drive.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817986005

 

[SimMike2]

I think if you use the "upgrade" version of Windows 8, it will replace your Windows 7 license and make your Windows 7 key not legitimate. If you go this route, search the Internet and find ways to clean install Windows 8 upgrade. Or if you have an old copy of Windows XP or Vista which you can reinstall and activate, put these on the drive and upgrade over these copies of Windows you don't plan on using anymore.

BTW, I have Windows XP on one hard drive, I rarely use it, and I have Windows 7 on an SSD. When I installed these two operating systems, I completely disconnected the other OS drive. Once both were up and running, I keep both connected and use my BIOS boot option, F12 in my case, to toggle between either OS when I start the computer. Neither seems to mess with the other.

 

[ViRGE]

I think if you use the "upgrade" version of Windows 8, it will replace your Windows 7 license and make your Windows 7 key not legitimate.

Nothing happens to the key. jaytone's plan is perfectly reasonable, and other than perhaps needing to add an entry to Win7 in his BCD, it should go off without a hitch.

 

[jaytone1]

Nothing happens to the key. jaytone's plan is perfectly reasonable, and other than perhaps needing to add an entry to Win7 in his BCD, it should go off without a hitch.

What is BCD ? Thanks

 

[ViRGE]

BCD is the Windows bootloader. Generally speaking Windows takes care of it on its own, but if you need to add or remove entries for other OSes, EasyBCD is the tool to use.