A second attempt
Choosing a re-installation is one thing, doing it the right way is something else. After all, what would happen to the Boot Manager that was installed when you installed Windows 7 the first time. I am afraid that if you do nothing and simply remove the partition from Vista you’ll probably create a second entry for Windows 7 in the bootloader screen after startup. And that is not the intention. Therefore I tried to find a method to edit that boot manager. And it is not that complicated … The answer can be found on this site: http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_vista_and_windows_7_vista_installed_first.htm?page=4
You use the tool bcdedit whichVista installed by default. Go to start, all programs, Accessories, command prompt, click with the right mouse button and choose “run as administrator” . In the Command Prompt window, type bcdedit at the command prompt and then press ENTER. You will see the entries in the bootloader. At the end of the mentioned article is a howto for deleting an entry. In my case the identifier of the Windows 7 entry was {default} so the command would become: bcdedit/delete {default}/Cleanup Always use a space before a forward slash (“/”) . A message is shown telling you “the operation completed successfully” and if you run bcdedit again you will see that the Windows 7 entry has disappeared. Restart the system now and if everything ok now you won’t see the bootloader screen again and Windows Vista will start.
In Vista, click with the right mouse button on ‘ my computer ‘ and choose “manage” (“manage”). Go to “disk management”, and delete the Windows 7 partition by right clicking and choosing “remove” (“delete”). Furthermore do nothing. You will see “Unallocated space” now, that is OK.
So far for this piece of manual. I installed Windows 7 in the Unallocated space simply forcing the installer to format this partition before installation. I just followed the whole process the same way as at the first attempt up to the activation. Sorry, I forgot to tell but before installation I removed all peripheral devices; so a completely clean installation.
Then I downloaded the 64 bit Saitek drivers for my Flight-yoke and Rudder Pedals and installed them. During the installation, when the installer asked for it, I have plugged in my USB devices in one of the USB ports. After this I immediately tried whether “Devices and Printers” showed these devices immediately. And Yes, they are listed. So far, everything is perfect. Now the installation of FS-X.
And then there seemed to be something strange. Not using Windows 7, but with the software compatibility list for Windows 7. FS-X standard seems to be completely compatible with Windows 7 32 and 64 bit. But when it comes to FS-X de Luxe edition there is a notification more information will follow soon. Are those versions so different? FS-X de Luxe edition will have more aircraft and perhaps a few extra scenarios. I assume there is no significant difference between these versions technically. Read the sequel!