Is it possible to format an OS while it is running, then install a new OS without restarting?

I have a windows 7 bootable disc, but when booting it just hangs at a blank screen with mouse.

I think it is loading the OS rather than installing it, as I am not getting any format options.

However, I can run the .exe from my computer and install it while XP is running.

This however means that I will be installing an OS over the top of another OS - and I'm pretty sure that's not a good idea.

So... I hope that is a little clearer.

Can I format an OS then run the setup.exe?

I have a windows 7 disk that can format whilst running and it works, fairly early into the install it gives the option to delete current OS/partitions, although i always do it the normal way anyway. So im sure its possible, unless it is doing the same thing as booting from disc but masking it with windows 7 user friendly menus (not surprising if thats the case). However, not being able to format it the normal way is a bit dodgy, I'd be suspicious of the disk, ie scratched/dodgy copy etc.

From reading on the internet try "Disable floppy drive in bios". And see if its any faster.

Another thing (if you have a ps2 keyboard) is to try disabling USB.

Gigabyte motherboard?

I had that when I installed windows 7, I waited about 10 mins then the setup wizard came up.

Blargh, I've given up now and just done a fresh install of XP.

I do have an "acquired" copy of windows 7 that I was hoping to try out, and despite all the files being present on the CD it just would not boot.

I think it kept trying to start the OS from the CD rather than installing it.

I even tried installing on a formatted partition and dual booting, but it would get halfway through the install and hang on a cmd screen asking for wininit - this seems to be a known problem with no proper solution.

I was thinking of buying a legit copy of win 7, but after all this trouble I think I'll stick with good old XP thank you very much.

I might be wrong but i now possibly remember having to use a ps2 keyboard to get mine to boot from disc. Definitely did after deleting the os and it failing (random disc fail).

I have a logitech wireless usb keyboard.

Motherboard is an Intel P5K SE.

Edit: Are we really saying this problem is possibly due to a keyboard?! That seems like epic fail...

No, I am saying it may be because of USB.

If you have a USB keyboard / mouse you will not be able to do anything in setup.

It is just quickly observed from posts on the internet.

Most people find it does eventually do something if you wait long enough.

Always had the 'long pause' thing waiting for the windows 7 setup program to appear.

It does usually turn up though...just go and make a cup of tea.

USB keyboard and mouse can work if you have the options for them turned on in bios. Or at least they do for me.

"hang on a cmd screen asking for wininit" never had this error though......maybe 'acquire' another copy of windows 7 just to make sure.

i went through 2 versions of win7 before i found one that worked fine, maybe a corruption on burning or downloading, i dunno but its not win7 at fault. burn another one once you got xp up and running then try again sometime on the dual boot. if it works then woop woop you can del xp, if not then you try something else. what cpu and ram you got?