Windows 7 clean install - 2 partitions

Cyrl · 28 Nov 2009 at 12:40

I need to do a clean install of win 7 (currently 32-bit Vista, need 64-bit) and have a clean install disk I made for another installation. The problem is that my parents have no removable storage to back anything up, the PC does have 2 partitions on the HDD however - is it possible to install the OS to the C:\ and have the D:\ remain intact - preserving the backed up files?

I assume that it is, but I'd rather not be proven wrong and wipe the files.

Raumarik · 28 Nov 2009 at 12:46

yes, the install of the OS treats the two partitions as separate drives and you can select only to wipe and install on C without doing anything to D drive. The only way you'd accidentally delete D drive is by actually selecting it and pressing delete!

Broken Hope · 28 Nov 2009 at 12:46

You can install to C and the D partition won't be touched by the OS install. I've done it that way for years.

theheyes · 28 Nov 2009 at 13:23

Kami said:
The only way you'd accidentally delete D drive is by actually selecting it and pressing delete!

Which can happen. A proper backup is never on the same physical disk. The OP can take a slight (albeit real) risk and do what has been suggested or wait until a proper backup can be taken.

OLDPHART · 29 Nov 2009 at 13:19

My SSD 120GB is partitioned C: = OS+APP'S / D: = GAME'S and a 500GB HD for back up etc. I prefure another HD for back up, HD's are dirt cheap now.

Beasty · 29 Nov 2009 at 13:59

I did something like this so yes!