Question about Windows 7 + XP...

[FR4NOx]

(2011-11-01 00:30)Ganjaman Wrote:  most probably will work if you make a full backup, which can be restored after format. not sure, but it might work for your win7 problem as well.

The 7 question is just a recreational desire, not a problem.

(2011-11-01 00:32)Tom Wrote:  Take Windows XP and all data on a corrupted hard drive, place it on another drive temporarily, format the drive that XP is removed from and after it's formatted, put all of the XP files back on it as if nothing happened. So I can't do that? - yes you can do that

yes just download and use key if not find a code off net i think by now xp codes are being giving away

I'd like to stay legal.

(2011-11-01 00:45)Elmo Wrote:  1. There's no point in trying to copy the entire windows installation from a corrupt drive - it'll probably fail to backup anyway.
Copy the files/settings you want to keep and do a clean install.
If the drive is corrupt (ie lots of bad sectors) you probably don't want to use it again, even after a full reformat. Sometimes you'll never have a problem again, but more likely than not it'll just get corrupt again.

2. Yes, you can transfer a W7 install to another drive, but you will temporarily need a third hard drive with enough space. However, it's quite complicated. I was thinking of doing the same and found this: http://www.pagestart.com/win7bckuprstrnhd072610.html however, I'll probably just to a clean reinstall.

Finally, yes you can do a clean install using the sticker key on your PC, however the install disc you use has to match the type of key. IE, not all XP Pro discs are the same.

1. Ok I can spend a few dollars on a new drive. I have the original drivers and I might be able to dig out the original OS disc or just snatch the Vista disc from my mom's faulty M1330 and upgrade the ram.

2. I still plan on using the drive it's already installed on, the SSD is to improve file browsing (It takes way to long on a 5400RPM) and reduced boot time, and I'll invest in larger SSD's as they get cheaper.

2.5. Thanks for that link, I'll hold on to it and read it when I have the time.

3. That was a bit unclear, do you mean XP discs work with the same version and the product key (ie. Home with Home, Pro with Pro)?


Most would say, just buy a new copy of Windows (about the XP), but I'm too cheap to spend $100 on an OS unless I need to, my next computer that I'm building in December will have Windows 7 along with my currrent PC at the same desk, 3 PC's with W7 is pointless at the same desk, WinXP is good for compatibility testing with my software.