How to install an OS on a new hard drive?

I'm looking to install Windows 7 64-Bit on a new hard drive and install it in my computer. I will take out the hard drive which my current OS is on and insert a new, larger hard drive which I want to install the new OS on.

I have two other, secondary hard drives which are used for storage. No programs on them at all. So they will be staying put.

Any hard drive is ok for installing an OS on, right?

I'd like to know how to do this and how easy it is to do this. Also, I'd like to know how to make the new drive and OS run automatically on start up.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

it's super easy, just install the hdd your going to put your os on (this is how i used to do it since i'm not sure how to do it with more then one hdd connected) boot up your windows 7 disk and when it gets to the point where it asks you which hdd to install to there will be an option to format the hdd (which is a good idea since windows 7 will need ntfs).
after installing windows 7 connect your other hdd's for storage (windows 7 will detect them):cool

 

Thank you for your reply. Sorry I haven't replied sooner to your post.

I managed to install a new secondary hard drive. I also managed to install Windows 64-bit onto that hard drive.

However I have another question.

Since I now have two hard drives in my computer that have Operating Systems on them, every time I turn on my computer I have to choose which OS I want to boot into.

I tried taking out the old hard drive which I don't want anymore and changing the BIOS so that my new hard drive was priority. But, when I did, the computer wouldn't boot. I have to have both hard drives in and therefore both OS's available in order to choose the one I want to use.

My question is: how do I make it so that I can boot from my new hard drive plugged in on its own straight into the newly installed OS?

 

Unplug the HD you don't want to use anymore (you don't have to physically remove it just unplug a cable).

Boot from your Win7 DVD. After you select keyboard it should take you to the installation screen. At the bottom left should be a link for Repair Computer. Hit that and see if it will detect the Win7 installation on the new HD and try to fix the boot files.

It should look like figure 4. here but offer to fix startup errors (but NOT by System Restore). If it doesn't then in Figure 5 you don't want to use System Restore so say no and in fig 6 hit Finish. Then from the list of 5 options hit Startup Repair. Then try to reboot when prompted. If it hasn't completely fixed the problem run Startup repair a second time. (You are not using Command Prompt-I was just using the first 6 screenshots to show you how things look.)

 

I just did as you said above. However, when I clicked on Repair Computer, it couldn't find Windows on the HD.

So I could not go further with your instructions.

 

Hi,

Yes if it doesn't detect Windows then go to Startup Repair in the list of 5 options. Run that and try to reboot. If it still doesn't boot then restart from the DVD and this time it should see the Windows and try to automatically repair. After it completes try to boot without the DVD.

 

On Fig. 4 of that link you posted, what do I click?

There was no OS in the box as shown, so I didn't want to click 'next'. And because of that I couldn't get to the part that said Startup Repair.

 

Yes, Next is correct. It should have the little circle ticked for "Use Recovery Tools" and then you are hitting Next. When I have done it using the Repair disc it takes me straight to the 5 options. In that guide it offers System Restore. If it offers System Restore say No and then it should take you to the 5 options. Once there you choose Startup Repair. Then reboot and try to start normally. If no go then boot from DVD again and see if auto repair finds your Windows and fixes anything. If not go back to the 5 options and run Startup Repair again. (Startup Repair only fixes one thing at a time so it can take up to 3 times to see if it can finish repairs.)

 

When Fig. 4 came up on the screen the box below was checked. The one that says 'Restore your computer using system image'.

Is it ok then to select the above option and click next even though there is no OS showing then? Will it still work even though it can't find the OS?

 

Yes.

Don't worry, you can't do any harm here. The worst that will happen is that you will get a message that it can't repair or it can't find an image etc. Even if you hit System Restore you will only be taken to the System Restore screens and you can just Cancel. Eventually you will land at the list of 5 options.

 

I may have misread your post. You want to have the circle ticked for "Use Recovery Tools" not restore from system image. Then hit Next. You are just trying to get to the five options to select Startup Repair.