Reinstall Vista 64 Question...two HDDs? All Data erased?

[Guttboy]

Hi Folks,

This is a probably simple question but after a couple hours searching the net this morning I can't get a definitive answer.

I have a computer I built that has two separate physical HDDs. On the first HDD, I have some programs and the Vista 64 OS.

On the other HDD, I have a ton of data and a Windows image backup.

What I would like to do is a clean install of Vista on the C: (HDD #1) and leave all my data on the D: (HDD :2).

Where I run into the "issue" is that when clicking on the Backup and Restore center it says:

"Your computer's hard disks will be reformatted and all user data and programs will be replaced with the data and programs on your backups"

I thought by having the two separate physical HDD's I would prevent ALL the data on the computer from being erased?

Any help would be appreciate....Thanks !

[cadaveca]

remove the secondary drive? Then re-install? re-install cannot affect a drive not connected!

[Guttboy]

cadaveca....I understand that but am looking to see if I have to do this for future knowledge. thoughts?

[micropage7]

i always use clean install, erase the partition, create new partition, format then install
i guess you need file recovery right now

[cadaveca]

Originally Posted by Guttboy

cadaveca....I understand that but am looking to see if I have to do this for future knowledge. thoughts?

Yes, you should ALWAYS install with just a single drive connected.

And I'll explain why:

If the drive you decide to install on is not PHYSICALLY the primary drive, the PHYSICAL primary drive will get the boot partition. Of course, this can lead to loss of data.

So, rather than have any issue, I'm pretty sure most of us here install with just a single drive connected.

[Guttboy]

Ok thanks!

I have the data backed up now so shouldnt be an issue, but I am going to attempt the reinstall with both drives connected and see what happens. Wish me luck!

I am hoping that the new reinstall goes smoothly as it has been 2 years since the initial install

I did do a backup image in Vista but wanted to try to reinstall from disk. I have had many programs installed and run since then and now have the PC the way I like it. I will probably make another "backup copy" within vista....perhaps it will speed up the process if something occurs...aka kids/wife/friends add something they shouldn't....

[Guttboy]

Hmmmmmm.....

Things didn't go quite as planned

The data is still there but there are still some folders that are showing up from the installation. That were there previously. I also inadvertently made the vista install on the other drive...OOPS.

Very confusing for me.

I want to WIPE everything off of this now but am unsure.....will do some more digging