Hey guys. So, I've got a retail version of Windows 7 and a pirated version of Windows 8. And I want to install one onto an HDD. I'd prefer Windows 8, but 7 is fine. So is it possible? And if so, how?
From my understanding, you wish to install windows onto a HDD. The alternative to a HDD is a SSD or some form of USB connected flash storage. Well, if you prefer windows 7, go ahead and install it. Place the disc in the CD/DVD drive when booting the computer and it should boot from the CD/DVD. If this fails, you will need to consult your computer manual on how to have it boot from CD/DVD. WARNING: Doing this can erase all your data and programs if the computer already has an operating system installed. Or the HDD has any data on it. Seek advice from a local computer store if you are at all confused or unsure. Also, as pointed out, the question is a little unexplained. If you wish to describe further then you may be able to gain further support here.
he dint bother copy/Pasting the contents of his other post, he wants to install Win7 over win 8 but gets an error
If that is the case, the answer is simple. Backup all the data, ensure you have the install discs/files for your programs and then do a clean install. Not only is it the easiest solution, it also ensures that win 8 is no longer on the system and all the software will act as expected for a fresh/clean win 7 install
always do clean installs. Upgrades often cause problems further down the line, and downgrades without reformatting are just asking for trouble.
Since you're all misunderstanding me, I'm presuming I didn't explain it well. I wish to install Windows 7 or 8 onto a portable HDD (or SSD as thedarkmaster pointed out (what's the difference?)) When I boot up the installation on either Windows, it seems you cannot install it to a portable HDD. I've checked everything, making sure there is enough space, it's a primary drive and NTFS formatted. Still won't work. Hopefully that explains it better.
it's a really bad idea even if the installer allows it. not only are portable hard disks much slower than internal ones, they're also much more unreliable. if the connection to the drive were to fail or be disrupted at all, there could be all kinds of consequences, including system crashes and complete OS corruption.
Well, to expand on the idea of it not being a good choice. The drives themselves are no less reliable or slower, the connection is the slower section. That being said, a USB 3 external HDD would be fast enough for most people and I suspect most wouldn't notice the difference. USB 2 would give you slower boot times but for light, non-gaming use shouldn't cause a problem. I mean, you can boot Linux from a DVD or USB pen without a problem. Generally, internal drives are best as they are not likely to have the connection interrupted by someone pulling it out. HDD and SSD, Hard Disk Drive is a collection of metal discs that hold the data, Solid State Drive is high capacity and high fidelity flash memory (think USB pen on steroids). SSD drives are faster and more power efficient, but lower storage capacity for the same cash. There is actually a good reason to install some OS onto USB devices, for example a debug OS on a USB can be used on any computer by just plugging it in and booting the computer by USB. As for Windows, I would go with Loonylion's advice and recommend against it due to the large file structure and how easy it is to mess up the file structure if the drive is disconnected without warning. Anyway, if you want to have a play around with windows 7 or windows 8, try looking at virtualisation solutions. VMWare and Parallels are some commercial products but you should find some nice free/opensource (i can not remember the name atm)
Actually, the platters are made of glass, not metal. Not only are SSDs much more expensive per GB than conventional hard disks (also referred to as 'mechanical', 'rotational' or 'magnetic'), they also have a much shorter working lifespan and there is a much greater variation in speed between different models.
