Using empty partition with new build

[x0160768]

So here's my plan:

So I have an existing PC build that I've been using for a while. When I built my PC I partitioned my HDD in two using one for Vista and the other is unformatted. I've now bought a new motherboard and GPU and want to install it with the same HDD. I think I'm right in thinking it's best to start fresh with a new partition when installing a new motherboard and I just wondered if it were possible to install the componants and then use the 2nd partition on the HDD as the main one. By doing this I would be able to get up and running with Vista again, using my new components. I would then transfer all my old files over and then format the 1st partition.

Is this possible?

 

[Billb2]

When you do the second Vista install you will have three choices:
Format over the existing install on the 1st partition and do a full Vista install there. Everything previously on the disk goes to "bit heaven".)
Format the second partition and do a full Vista install there. The new Vista install will see the existing Vista, write the appropriate boot info the the boot sector on the drive, and, present a Boot Menu on every boot, giving you the option to boot the old OS or the new.
Do a repair install to the 1st partition. The install will reconfigure the existing install to account for the new components and retaining access to all configurations, data and programs...maybe...

The basis of these statements:
Whatever drive a MS OS full install sees first (regardless of where you tell Vista to install it's files... the second partition, in your example), the first partition on that drive will get the boot files on it (onto the boot sector) which will be overwritten with a later format (of the first partition, in your example), rendering any OSs installed anywhere on the drive unbootable. Simple version: You can't retain bootability if you format the first partition on a boot drive....ever.

Transferring files is possible, but none of the programs will run, since they are not "installed" under the new OS. Data will be readable though.

The warning:
If you are not exactly sure of what you're doing, and exactly sure will happen when you press a key, a full backup, or ghosting is a great idea....you've been warned.

What you want to do can be done with confidence and assurity, just a little Googling and reading is inorder, as this is a rather complicated endervour, too complicated to cover all the permutations and commutations in a single thread.