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Perform a clean installation of Windows 10.

Perform a clean installation of Windows 10.

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MaskeddPig
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179
06-30-2016, 12:37 AM
#1
Hello everyone, I just purchased a new storage device and plan to set up Windows 10 there. Currently, my drive is labeled (CSmile, but I intend to move it to (DSmile. Can I install Windows on (DSmile without affecting the data on (CSmile?
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MaskeddPig
06-30-2016, 12:37 AM #1

Hello everyone, I just purchased a new storage device and plan to set up Windows 10 there. Currently, my drive is labeled (CSmile, but I intend to move it to (DSmile. Can I install Windows on (DSmile without affecting the data on (CSmile?

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BottyBotsworth
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06-30-2016, 01:45 AM
#2
As long as you don’t format the Drive C, you should be okay. You’ll retain your active partitions and files. The safest choice is to back everything up, reformat it completely, and start over.
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BottyBotsworth
06-30-2016, 01:45 AM #2

As long as you don’t format the Drive C, you should be okay. You’ll retain your active partitions and files. The safest choice is to back everything up, reformat it completely, and start over.

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reily1
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06-30-2016, 12:50 PM
#3
Unless you wish for another version of Windows on your machine, I don’t understand what you’re trying to do. Let’s clarify: your existing "C:" drive is Disk 1 and the new "D:" drive is Disk 2. Adding Windows to Disk 2 won’t change the files on Disk 1, but it will create a distinct Windows installation for you. When you start up, you’ll have the choice to boot from Disk 1 or Disk 2.
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reily1
06-30-2016, 12:50 PM #3

Unless you wish for another version of Windows on your machine, I don’t understand what you’re trying to do. Let’s clarify: your existing "C:" drive is Disk 1 and the new "D:" drive is Disk 2. Adding Windows to Disk 2 won’t change the files on Disk 1, but it will create a distinct Windows installation for you. When you start up, you’ll have the choice to boot from Disk 1 or Disk 2.

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ColorfulBlack
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06-30-2016, 02:01 PM
#4
You're just starting this process and the main concern is compatibility. Only a couple of Windows versions might struggle together. If you're certain everything on other storage stays the same, unplug those drives. If you've already reinstalled or made changes before, you can leave them untouched. Once selected, Windows will install only on the new drive, and a bootmgr will appear—this can lead to problems if you're trying to access an older version. It won't be a big issue, but you'll need to recreate the bootmgr so it recognizes another operating system. I still have a working Windows 7 on another SSD, which I plan to format later. On boot, the Windows drive shows as C:- and other drives get letters based on their detection order.
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ColorfulBlack
06-30-2016, 02:01 PM #4

You're just starting this process and the main concern is compatibility. Only a couple of Windows versions might struggle together. If you're certain everything on other storage stays the same, unplug those drives. If you've already reinstalled or made changes before, you can leave them untouched. Once selected, Windows will install only on the new drive, and a bootmgr will appear—this can lead to problems if you're trying to access an older version. It won't be a big issue, but you'll need to recreate the bootmgr so it recognizes another operating system. I still have a working Windows 7 on another SSD, which I plan to format later. On boot, the Windows drive shows as C:- and other drives get letters based on their detection order.

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FunnyGuy123
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32
07-04-2016, 07:25 AM
#5
During installation, Windows identifies the C:\ partition running the OS and presents you with a selection screen. After setup completes, when you power on your PC, it prompts you to choose the operating system—Windows 10 or whatever is currently mounted on C:\. If you prefer a different OS, disconnect the C:\ partition from the system before beginning the installation. Remember: in Windows, the drive with the active OS is labeled C:\, while the other appears as D:\. This reversal occurs because Windows interprets drive letters to define storage locations, enabling flexibility without physical changes to the hardware. Under Windows 10, this layout flips; C:\ becomes D:\ and vice versa. The core issue stems from how Windows handles drive letter assignments, allowing easier configuration but also requiring a restart to restore the correct menu. If you later remove C:\, your system may fail to start because it expects that drive to exist. You might need to reinstall Windows, though a repair could potentially resolve the problem.
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FunnyGuy123
07-04-2016, 07:25 AM #5

During installation, Windows identifies the C:\ partition running the OS and presents you with a selection screen. After setup completes, when you power on your PC, it prompts you to choose the operating system—Windows 10 or whatever is currently mounted on C:\. If you prefer a different OS, disconnect the C:\ partition from the system before beginning the installation. Remember: in Windows, the drive with the active OS is labeled C:\, while the other appears as D:\. This reversal occurs because Windows interprets drive letters to define storage locations, enabling flexibility without physical changes to the hardware. Under Windows 10, this layout flips; C:\ becomes D:\ and vice versa. The core issue stems from how Windows handles drive letter assignments, allowing easier configuration but also requiring a restart to restore the correct menu. If you later remove C:\, your system may fail to start because it expects that drive to exist. You might need to reinstall Windows, though a repair could potentially resolve the problem.

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