multi boot time problem

[sparkygroover]

Can someone recommend a `boot loader' that can help me load Windows 10 preview on my 2nd partitioned HDD?
I have W7 on my main SSD and another optical HDD for just data with a partitioned 60GB which I want to install W10 on. Problem is when I disconnect the SSD so only the HDD is running I can`t seem to load either W7 and W10 preview. Some one suggested a boot loader but not sure which ones work and also how to use it. Any help would be appreciated

 

[USAFRet]

You have an SSD, with Win 7.
You wish to install Win 10 on the HDD
When you disconnect the SSD, it does not boot.

This is the way it is supposed to work.
On the SSD, you have the System Reserved boot partition. When disconnected, it won't boot.

2 options:
Disconnect the SSD, boot from the install media and install Win 10 on the HDD.
Select the desired boot drive from the BIOS at startup.

or

Leave the SSD connected, boot from the install media and install Win 10 on the HDD.
Select the OS to boot into from the Windows boot manager.
This is what I do with my Win 7/Win 10 laptop. 2 partitions on the same drive, 2 OS's.

 

[sparkygroover]

I have just tried the 1st option by disconnecting the SSD and booting from the Install disc on the HDD. W7 starts to load and then the keyboard/mouse locks out/goes dead and I cant get any further. W10 says it won`t boot as there are more than 1 dynamic disks and won`t install. I went into the BIOS and changed the SATA control over to IDE. Do I have to change the Legacy as well or is IDE enough to get it to boot?
Either way I`m doing something as have installed W10 on my older PC with no problems although that has just a single HDD partitioned into 2 parts.

 

[USAFRet]

booting from the Install disc on the HDD. W7 starts to load

No, you boot from the Win10 install media.

 

[sparkygroover]

How far do I have to go through the W10 setup before it asks me on which HDD drive to install it on? I`m trying to install with the SSD connected and I dont see the prompt on selecting the drive. This should be a lot simpler but keep hitting a brick wall.

 

[USAFRet]

How far do I have to go through the W10 setup before it asks me on which HDD drive to install it on? I`m trying to install with the SSD connected and I dont see the prompt on selecting the drive. This should be a lot simpler but keep hitting a brick wall.

Early on, it should ask 'Where'. At that point, select Advanced.

 

[sparkygroover]

Nope. I know what that is but dont see it. It just goes through a few basic settings and then into the installation where it shows a % progress. Then I cancel it as I don`t want W10 to install on my main SSD.

 

[USAFRet]

This is basically the 1st two screens you see when installing Windows 10 Tech Preview:

This from a brand new burned DVD, from the original Win 10

If it does not see your SSD, there are other issues.

 

[sparkygroover]

Its the 2nd screen I dont see. This is a 64x version I`m trying to install on my 1TB HDD in my new PC. I did a 32x install on my other PC without a problem. What else can I try???

 

[sparkygroover]

I`m also burning a new copy of the install OS. Trying to rule out all other problems.

 

[sparkygroover]

The last image is a little out of focus but it says there are more than 1 dynamic discs and I can`t install on those spaces. That`s as far as I can get.

 

[USAFRet]

The last image is a little out of focus but it says there are more than 1 dynamic discs and I can`t install on those spaces. That`s as far as I can get.

Delete that highlighted partition, Format that space, and Windows should install to it.

 

[sparkygroover]

If I understood you correctly I delete the 60GB partition in Windows disc management ? That is there so I can install the W10 OS. I don`t want the whole 1TB HDD with a OS....just the 60GB part. The rest of the HDD is pure music storage.
And the 60GB is already formatted.
I`m quite used to installing OS`s so can`t see what I`m doing wrong.

 

[USAFRet]

If I understood you correctly I delete the 60GB partition in Windows disc management ? That is there so I can install the W10 OS. I don`t want the whole 1TB HDD with a OS....just the 60GB part. The rest of the HDD is pure music storage.
And the 60GB is already formatted.
I`m quite used to installing OS`s so can`t see what I`m doing wrong.

How much free space is in that partition?

 

[sparkygroover]

60GB out of a 1TB. I can increase it of course. But it installed fine on my old PC at only 70GB space.

 

[USAFRet]

60GB out of a 1TB. I can increase it of course. But it installed fine on my old PC at only 70GB space.

Oh wait...your partition is Dynamic. I don't believe it will install to a dynamic partition.

 

[sparkygroover]

Yes it is dynamic..... can I change that?
Also that will explain why none of the other Windows OS would install 😛

 

[USAFRet]

Yes it is dynamic..... can I change that?
Also that will explain why none of the other Windows OS would install 😛

How to change it:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/26829-convert-dynamic-disk-basic-disk.html

 

[sparkygroover]

Lol was just reading that as you sent the link. I think a newly bought HDD formatted to basic is better.... and quicker.
Cant really re-format this partitioned HDD as it has 500GB + of MP3 and films. So not really an option.