|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904 |
Hi to the tech Gurus,
I would lke to install Windows 7 on a second Harddrive. I have Xp already. Here`s the question:
I want to do this without bootmanager stuff. This is what I`d like to do. Is this possible?
* Detach the current C Drive
* Put the Sata cable from the previous C-Drive into a new HD.
* Install Windows 7 to the new Harddrive (should now have the letter C, shouldn`t it?
* Switch between the old XP drive and the new 7 drive by simply switching the SATA cable (when the Computer is off, of course)
Is that just a little "milkmaid-kinda-phantasy" or is that possible - or will there still be conflicts?
Sandra
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,460
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,460 |
BIOS might complain about the boot drives being changed, but should be doable..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365 |
Hi Sandra,
To give you a bit of background before I answer your question ...
I run Ubuntu (Linux) on one hard drive and Vista on a second hard drive. When I installed Ubuntu, it loaded a boot manager which allows me to choose between Windows and Linux.
The reason I'm telling you this ...
... is because I accidentally discovered that if I want to boot directly into Windows, all I need to do is to change the hard drive boot order in my BIOS. That is, when my Ubuntu hard drive boots first, I get the boot manager. When my Windows hard drive boots first, it goes straight into Windows.
I suspect that if you change the boot order of your BIOS to boot first from CD/DVD (for installation purposes) and to boot second from the drive that you want to install Windows 7 on, you'll be able to install Windows 7 as an operating system on your new hard drive.
Then, when you want to boot from the old hard drive with XP, it should be a simple matter of changing the boot order in the BIOS so that the XP drive is first to boot. Given my experience, that's what I'd be trying. It's certainly far easier than unplugging/plugging cables.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904 |
I guess I can`t have to C drives on simultaniously. That`s why I had the idea of switching the cables. My computer is open always anyway, so that won`t be aproblem.
rharv: Why would the bios complain? Is there somthing I forgot?
Sandra
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904 |
Does installing a second OS to another HD affect the first HD somehow? I mean, does it write something into the boot.ini of C or whatever funny files are there?
I DO NOT want my C drive to be affected by this at all, otherwise I could do the thing with the bootmanager. But if I do so and later on want to get rid of the second OS, the MBR will be damaged, right, so I would have to repair it.
Sandra
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,806
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,806 |
Hi, Sandra - You might want to read this post about using two drives. I used to do it Noel's way (going into BIOS and selecting which disk I wanted to boot from). I didn't have any problems with this. When you do that, your boot drive will (by default) be the C: drive and the other drive will show up as the D: drive. This assumes there are no other partitions on either disk. So, if you boot to the Win7 drive, Win7 will be C: and you'll see the XP drive as D:. Conversely, if you select the XP drive to boot from, XP will be C: and Win7 will be D:. However, what I do once I get everything set up is to go into "Manage Disks" and change the drive letter of the non-booted OS to the Z: drive. That puts it in the bottom of the list and prevents me from accidentally selecting it and maybe deleting something important. This method (as Noel said) avoids having a boot manager, which can work, but sometimes gets screwed up when Windows does updates. That's why I preferred Noel's method.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
I have also done it the way Noel and John describe, although not in several years, and not since I switched all my machines to Windows 7.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,806
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,806 |
The thing to be careful about with dual booting Win7 and XP is that you can end up wiping out restore points (I can't remember which way it goes). There are some workarounds to that, and I don't think it does it if the OS's are on completely separate drives (not the same as separate drive letters, since you can partition the drive into multiple drive letters). I would just make sure I take a disk image every now and then to make sure all works smoothly.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,460
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,460 |
As for the BIOS, it is a security feature on some. The BIOS on my XP machine lets me know whenever a hardware change is discovered and asks if I'm sure I want to boot from that drive. This can be nice in an office where security may be an issue; wouldn't want to boot a machine onto my network if I knew someone had changed the hard drive and it wasn't me.  Kind of like those cases that alert if you they have been opened the next time it boots. Problem with both is that whoever tampered with the machine simply has to boot it once, delete the message and shut it back down. It can be annoying when I am the one changing thee drives around though.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904 |
Hey guys,
I think I`ll go Noel`s way. Sounds good. I wasn`t aware, that the Bios changes the drive letter anyway, that`s cool. I think, that`s just what I need.
I doubt there will be problems with the restore points. I`ve heard that too, but only on mashines with the OS`s on one disk/ 2 partitions. But I never use partitions. I like seperate Harddrives for each thing.
ONE LAST QUESTION:
What would you consider a "normal" temperature for a HD. Are constant 40°C too much?
Thanks a lot, Sandra
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114 |
Sandra,
If you have windows 7 on drive number 2 and Windows XP on driver number 1, drive 1 will be the C drive when you boot up XP and drive number 2 will be the C drive when you boot up Win 7. Windows 7 essentially has a boot manager built in. You don’t have to do a lot of changing boot orders or cables or anything like that, especially with the newer SATA drives. If you have the older IDE drives it might be more complicated, I can’t recall.
Setting up a dual boot system on two drives with Win 7 is relatively easy. Just do it this way:
First to be absolutely sure that I didn’t regret that I was born, I would CLONE the current XP drive and set it aside as a backup against disaster. You probably won’t need it, but if something blows up in your face, you can always take the clone and just plug it into the computer and you are at least right back where you started before you changed anything. I’ve learned at least this valuable lesson. Nothing bad happens when I back up. It only goes haywire when I don’t and then with absolute certainty.
Next, of course you want that second drive installed in your machine to accept the Win 7 installation. Once you have it in and functioning, shut down your computer.
Next you are going to BOOT from the Win 7 Installation disk, tell it to INSTALL NOW and when it asks you where you want to install the OS choose the new drive NOT the one that currently has your XP installed. If you have more than one partition on the new drive choose the primary.
When the computer is restarted you should get a monochrome screen with two boot choices, EARLIER VERSION OF WINDOWS and WINDOWS 7. You will get this screen each time you boot up. You choose which OS that is going to boot here. Usually the default is the OS that you last booted I think. I think you have about 30 seconds to make the decision but if you want to change that default time you can do it in the BIOS.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,460
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,460 |
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
Sandra,
If you have windows 7 on drive number 2 and Windows XP on driver number 1, drive 1 will be the C drive when you boot up XP and drive number 2 will be the C drive when you boot up Win 7. Windows 7 essentially has a boot manager built in. You don’t have to do a lot of changing boot orders or cables or anything like that, especially with the newer SATA drives. If you have the older IDE drives it might be more complicated, I can’t recall.
Setting up a dual boot system on two drives with Win 7 is relatively easy. Just do it this way:
First to be absolutely sure that I didn’t regret that I was born, I would CLONE the current XP drive and set it aside as a backup against disaster. You probably won’t need it, but if something blows up in your face, you can always take the clone and just plug it into the computer and you are at least right back where you started before you changed anything. I’ve learned at least this valuable lesson. Nothing bad happens when I back up. It only goes haywire when I don’t and then with absolute certainty.
Next, of course you want that second drive installed in your machine to accept the Win 7 installation. Once you have it in and functioning, shut down your computer.
Next you are going to BOOT from the Win 7 Installation disk, tell it to INSTALL NOW and when it asks you where you want to install the OS choose the new drive NOT the one that currently has your XP installed. If you have more than one partition on the new drive choose the primary.
When the computer is restarted you should get a monochrome screen with two boot choices, EARLIER VERSION OF WINDOWS and WINDOWS 7. You will get this screen each time you boot up. You choose which OS that is going to boot here. Usually the default is the OS that you last booted I think. I think you have about 30 seconds to make the decision but if you want to change that default time you can do it in the BIOS.
This is the right way. Don't know why you'd want to consider anything else.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
I grabbed 2 HDD tray units Like This and have never looked back. I got them for $22 shipped when on sale. So I now have 1 installed, 2 drive trays for my OS drives (Win7/Mepis Linux) and a back up internal unit. When I want to switch I just swap out the trays. 
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
ONE LAST QUESTION:
What would you consider a "normal" temperature for a HD. Are constant 40°C too much?
Thanks a lot, Sandra
Sandra,
you mentioned previously that your computer case is always open... is this the reason? To keep the computer cool? If so, you should be aware that leaving a computer case open has the opposite effect.
When there is one small opening for air to enter the case, the computer designer can direct it to the hottest part of the motherboard. Restricted airflow forces more cooling air to the same place, and the enclosure also keeps the air inside the case, forcing it across the entire motherboard before it exits the case at the vent.
Conversely, when the case is open, the suction created by the fan dissipates too quickly and the air from the fan just blows out the sides before it cools anything. Therefore, a computer with an open case generally runs hotter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,753
Posts795,819
Members39,951
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean