my win xp dies and am planning to install win 7. I will install it on my c disk and erase the dead xp but leave the existing d disk created by win xp as it is. My concern is whether win 7 can read disk d just like win xp does. This is quite important as d disk is my data disk and I cannot afford to lose anything on it.
📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7, with the main concern being whether the existing data drive (D:) will remain accessible after the installation. The original poster is worried about potential data loss or access issues, given the loss of certain filesystem or directory information during reinstallation. Responders confirm that as long as the D: drive remains connected and properly recognized, Windows 7 should be able to read it regardless of filesystem format (FAT32 or NTFS), though any installed programs on D: would need reinstallation. Overall, the conversation leans toward cautious reassurance with advice to back up data if possible.
The thread discusses upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7, with the main concern being whether the existing data drive (D:) will remain accessible after the installation. The original poster is worried about potential data loss or access issues, given the loss of certain filesystem or directory information during reinstallation. Responders confirm that as long as the D: drive remains connected and properly recognized, Windows 7 should be able to read it regardless of filesystem format (FAT32 or NTFS), though any installed programs on D: would need reinstallation. Overall, the conversation leans toward cautious reassurance with advice to back up data if possible.
Solution
Thanks, the best is indeed to back up the whole d drive and then install win 7 on c, but I don't have a backup hard disk large enough to hold them, so I might have to take the risk.
More specifically I was concerned whether the file tree structure or the entrance of d drive has had any traces recorded on disk c to help the operation system to correctly read files on d. If so, after reinstalling the operation system this information would be erased thus causing trouble to access d drive again. As far as file format itself is concerned, I also think fat32 would be recognized by win 7.
More specifically I was concerned whether the file tree structure or the entrance of d drive has had any traces recorded on disk c to help the operation system to correctly read files on d. If so, after reinstalling the operation system this information would be erased thus causing trouble to access d drive again. As far as file format itself is concerned, I also think fat32 would be recognized by win 7.
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As long as the old c drive is in front of the d part of the disc, yes installing w7 over the old xp will leave the d working... ntfs would be better for a storage drive but yes fat32 is recognized by w7 fine.
To be clear, the d drive is storage only... any programs installed on it will not work after the w7 install unless you re-install them (the programs) again.
To be clear, the d drive is storage only... any programs installed on it will not work after the w7 install unless you re-install them (the programs) again.