'Over-the-top' Windows 7 Install possible?

[Damo Gets]

I am wondering whether or not it is possible to install Windows 7 over the top
of an existing Win 7 installation without overwriting any of the previously
installed 3rd party software or configuration. The primary reason that I'm
wondering about this type of install is that my system is configured in a
rather atypical way, with Win 7 residing on the 1st primary partition of my
drive, sharing the HDD with Linux Ubuntu which resides on the following 2
partitions, and then a much larger final partition (NTFS) which I use
primarily for sharing a media library between the two operating systems.

The copy of Windows 7 that I have previously purchased (used?) unfortunately
is complaining about not being legitimate, so I am going to be replacing it
with a 'student edition' now that I am back in school. Just need to verify
that I don't have to back up a TB of special configuration, 2 operating
systems, and the media library, first.

Thanks in advance for any help, suggestions, or advice on this matter.

-Damon

 

[G. Morgan]

I am wondering whether or not it is possible to install Windows 7 over the top
of an existing Win 7 installation without overwriting any of the previously
installed 3rd party software or configuration. The primary reason that I'm
wondering about this type of install is that my system is configured in a
rather atypical way, with Win 7 residing on the 1st primary partition of my
drive, sharing the HDD with Linux Ubuntu which resides on the following 2
partitions, and then a much larger final partition (NTFS) which I use
primarily for sharing a media library between the two operating systems.

The copy of Windows 7 that I have previously purchased (used?) unfortunately
is complaining about not being legitimate, so I am going to be replacing it
with a 'student edition' now that I am back in school. Just need to verify
that I don't have to back up a TB of special configuration, 2 operating
systems, and the media library, first.

Thanks in advance for any help, suggestions, or advice on this matter.

Why don't you just change the CD key and let M$ figure it out.
Either that or use Hazzar's loader to overcome the not legit
bullshit.