Installing Os Onto Hd With Files

[steve burnell]

hey guys/gals

 

just wondered if you could install windows xp onto a hard drive which allready has files on it ?

 

because my computer is going mental at the min and dosen't like any device onto the second channel on the primary channel

 

i am going to get a new motherboard but can't at the min (no money )

[O(V)eGA_l2el)]

Its possible and your motherboard has problems with the Primary controller or is it the IDE cable's second connector?

[ClayMeow]

i know you can install Windows onto a harddrive with files (don't know about linux and crap like that though). An installation of windows will only change files found in the folders it installs. Thus, if you have a folder on the C:/ drive then it will remain there after. this is a good way to prevent your documents from getting deleted if you don't have another harddrive or computer to transfer your stuff to. I think this also works with the Program files folder as well,but i can't remember. Regardless, the programs won't actually be installed since your registry won't contain the proper info. In fact, your registry may look kind of ugly like mine, where there are multiple users found under "documents and settings" even though i only have one user.

[steve burnell]

Its possible and your motherboard has problems with the Primary controller or is it the IDE cable's second connector?

yes i think it is the seconday channel or connector, but i have tried another cable on it and it did the same