Hi,
I have to install Windows 10 Pro in a bootable hard drive of about 1Tb (model WD10EARS), formatted like this: first an 850Gb NTFS partition with data, and then 150Gb of unallocated space. Currently no operating system is installed on the disk. My aim is to install the copy of Windows 10 in the unallocated space, keeping untouched the partition with the data; is it possible?
During installation, in one of first stages you will be able to choose which partition to install to. You can choose that un-allocated one or you can format it to NTFS before you start installation. It shouldn't touch other partitions. It may be a good idea to give a name to each partition before starting so you don't accidentally start installation on wrong one because it may show a letter assigned to each partition differently.
It's pity you didn't make that partition on which you want to install windows on to be first partition. Your new windows C: partition and BOOT partition(s) windows will make will be after your data partition. That can slow BOOT down a bit and make it more difficult to repartition drive later on.
I think it is. Depending on how you do it. Do you have a copy of windows 10 with a product key? Or were you wanting to download a free copy (in which case you'd need Windows 7 or 8 installed first (although I think there's a way to do a clean install without installing Windows 7 or 8 first as long as you have the product key for W7 o 8).
Anyway, you'd be best doing a clean install and selecting/formatting the 150gb partition when you install. Whether you'd be able to access that date from the Windows 10 installation I don't know. Someone else more experienced might.
(Posted at the same time as Mike who knows more :))
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