Hello
First time posting a technical question/issue.
Here are my comp basics:
Asus P5E WS Pro 4 GB RAM (w/+4GB ready to install)
Intel Quad Core 2.4GHz Processor
RAID (x2 Western Digital SATA drives) C:
2 each IDE hard drives (storage only) F:/G:
XP Pro
My PC is about 2.5 years old (custom build) and is still operating on the original format. I have been extremely careful about infections (running Nortons 360 AV). The computer is still more than adequate for my use (graphics, general). This is what I want to do, but I am not really that savvy with hardware upgrading/reformatting and such:
I would like to install Windows 7, but maintain the current boot of XP Pro without losing any data.
1. Can/how do I partition C: and install Windows 7 allowing to boot up to either OS?
2. I would also like to acquire and use a program that can restore a drive from a storage media (one use to be called Drive Image years ago). Essentially, I would like to be able to "save" a drive to an external source and "flash" it back if I should ever have any problems, without having to re-install all the software, updates, etc... Is this a possibility?
3. One concern I know nothing about is the RAID. There is a Marvell RAID monitor that runs in my system tray (System Information also says there is an Intel RAID monitor). I don't even know what it is for - is this a significant thing for reformatting/installing new OS?
Best regards and thanks for any guidance. I learned that I know just enough to get myself into trouble when I don't seek expert direction.