Install win7 on second HDD?

mothermachine · 2 Dec 2010 at 07:07

Hi folks,

Is it possible to install a fresh copy of win7 on a second HDD, get everything else installed (apps, drivers etc.), then keep it safe somewhere and install when needed without too much hassle?

Reasoning behind this is that I've had a couple of HDDs that I'm using only for OS die on me randomly over the last year or so and I'd like to have a working backup of a fresh working install on a new HDD that I can keep safe somewhere and just install when needed and get back up and running quickly.

Any issues with bootloaders and all that sort of thing? Can I just pull one OS HDD out and install another and get up and running? Of course I'd need 2 win7 licenses but that's fine.

Thanks for any advice,

Brian Stuart · 2 Dec 2010 at 07:53

It would probably be better to install on your working PC, install all your software and configure it the way you want and either image or clone it to another HDD.
You do not need two licenses for that provided you do not install the second HDD in another PC. You could use Acronis True Image it is excellent and got me out of a couple of holes in the past.

mothermachine · 2 Dec 2010 at 07:57

ah that sounds better. might give that a go then!

cheers,

SiriusB · 2 Dec 2010 at 09:43

Imaging is the better idea. It also means you can easily update the image should something major change.

mothermachine · 2 Dec 2010 at 09:44

cool i'm running true image now, creating an image backup.

i assume i'll need to create a rescue disc/usb to launch the recovery from POST should I need to?

cheers,

SiriusB · 2 Dec 2010 at 09:48

Yup!

mothermachine · 2 Dec 2010 at 09:49

nice one thanks fellas