Suppose I simply replace a program into a partition . . .

[Loose rivets]

will it run?


I want to clear partition D drive and format it. I then want to use it for dual boot having installed W7 on that partition. If I copy back the folders of programs just as they were, will they run? I accept they will only run on the original OS? if at all.


I wondered if they had to have a precise position on the disc, but for example de-frag moves them, so would the OLD Vista in C drive be able to find them once they'd be shoved off to E drive and then put back?

I will not run from Vista until D has been run. I realize de-frag might well put everything in order as part of its chores.

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How this came about: I have a nice Sony Vaio but it's running Vista. I have a legal copy of W7 which is worth more than the PC its on. I got that copy for $20. It was made for an HP laptop but had been running for years on my HP PC. I wanted to put the OS on my laptop, put XP back on the old PC, and then gift the latter to a student or some-such.

However . . . all my plans to upgrade my Sony Vaio PCG 7133 L with bits from my wife's defunct HP have failed. Memory is quite different, and the HD is behind 21 screws.


It was my intention to see if the W7 would run on the Sony by fitting my wife's HD. So far, I can not find out if the wife's HD is compatible with the Sony. The loan drive was to be a Seagate Momentus 5400.4

(designated as an HP 490827 - 001, so not a good start)


Having that OS software sitting unused is tantalizing.


The first (of 2) W7 discs once rejected the old machine it is on, "THIS IS NOT AN HP LAPTOP" it said, but then worked when I failed to put in the the HP installation disk. However, that old PC also happens to be an HP, so it may be recognizing the make. The only way to know is to try.

I had hoped the main installation disc (2) might not care what computer it's going on, but did not want to risk my Vista installation if it's not going to be allowed - hence the interest in dual boot.

.