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I could use tips on what to do and/or be aware of before, installing Windows 7 64 bit 3

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javierdlm001

Technical User
Jun 28, 2008
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CA
At the moment I have Windows 8 32 bit installed.
The plan is to set up a dual boot with Windows 7 64 bit & Open Suse or Ubuntu.
I will do a clean install for Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit, just so that I can then upgrade to Windows 7 64 bit (I only have the upgrade).
I was advised that before installing Windows 7 64 bit I should ensure in the BIOS is clear that my HDs are not set to use IDE but the alternative. I would recognize that other alternative if I was in the BIOS now. So in case there's anything else I should know I thought I would ask you guys.
Also, I suppose I should go with NTFS.

Thanks in advance guys,

JDL
 
Cannot comment on the other issues you mention but Dual booting can have its drawbacks / surprises unless you are aware of them re thread1787-1740371
 
Depending on the size of the hdd, anything over 2.5 TB you would use GPT, but I agree for most it would be NTFS. You want to set the drive to AHCI mode. If it is an SSD drive, you should set the sata port to removable media. Also, it should be noted that you can do a full install of Windows 7 from the upgrade media, without installing Vista first. Here is a Link.
 
GPT - right. I always think small still, like under 2.0 TB. I never see larger drives like that.

"Living tomorrow is everyone's sorrow.
Modern man's daydreams have turned into nightmares.
 
GPT is really preferred for any drive, regardless of size, though it is required for drives larger than 2 TB. The catch is that your motherboard/BIOS needs to be UEFI compliant. Otherwise, it won't be able to boot off a GPT formatted drive.

Here's a good read on GPT:



-Carl
"The glass is neither half-full nor half-empty: it's twice as big as it needs to be."

[tab][navy]For this site's posting policies, click [/navy]here.
 
Yeah, I know. I just don't see these fancy things in real life, where I live with the crappy, old computers.

"Living tomorrow is everyone's sorrow.
Modern man's daydreams have turned into nightmares.
 
Sure - but not sure I'd call GTP an alternative to NTFS. For example I don't think we'd suggest that MBR is a file system, and GPT is just an alternative to that. They are just partitioning information, not file systems.

And GPT is not bootable on anything less than Windows 8.
 
This is great, thanks a bunch to everyone.
I am still using a 5 years old pc
CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 710
Graphics: nVidia Geforce GTX 560, nVidia Geforce GT 520
Motherb: AsusTek M4A78-E

Reason why I don't have to worry about GTP nor UEFI.

JDL
 
Btw, thanks a bunch rclark250 for that link to install Win7 with an upgrade DVD, I had no idea of this.

JDL
 
I wouldn't describe GPT as an alternative to NTFS, though. Should also point out that, as far as I recall, Windows 7 won't boot from a GPT partition
 
strongm,
You are correct that GPT is not a file system. It is the replacement to the older Master Boot Record (MBR), a table-of-contents for hard drives which dates back to 1983. I'm not sure who was suggesting it was a file format system, or that it was an alternative to NTFS (maybe rclarke?), but it's good that you cleared that up any confusion.

I do want to point out that GPT is supported in Windows Vista and later. It just isn't as common on Vista and Win7, because most systems built during that era do not support UEFI (a requirement for GPT). However, just about any new system manufactured in the last year and a half does. The link I posted above shows a few advantages GPT brings to the table, such as support for unlimited partitions, better prevention against corruption, etc. Worth reading for anyone not that familiar with the new boot sector format.

Cheers!
[cheers]

-Carl
"The glass is neither half-full nor half-empty: it's twice as big as it needs to be."

[tab][navy]For this site's posting policies, click [/navy]here.
 
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