Installing Windows 7 on a new HDD

[Aero]

So basically my computer was hit with a few power surges while I was sleeping and ended up being unable to load my HDDs after booting up. I brought it to my local computer guys and they diagnosed it as failing HDDs. They said I needed a new HDD(which I bought); I also decided to get some more ram while I was there.

Anyways they wanted around $200 for labour to install the hardware, install windows7, and recover files from my old HDD. I basically said fuck that as I have installed XP several times in the past and am pretty sure the ram/HDD is plug and go. I am also under the impression I can get the old files(pictures mainly) by putting my old HDDs in an external harddrive.

My sister had my windows 7 disk and I wont be getting it until monday through the mail >_>. So I was hoping I could get a few pointers or points of reference from you guys in the mean time. This will be my first fresh install of an OS on a brand new unused hardrive and was wondering if there was anything different than a simple reformating on a used harddrive. I am also hoping installing the HDD/ram is simply plug and go; and hopefully that I can get my old files from an external USB harddrive.

[sruon]

The hardest part of installing Windows 7 is opening the DVD Drive tray. If the HDD is brand new it probably requires being formatted which the Windows 7 installer will do.

[avelle]

It should be relatively straight forward and nothing you haven't seen before from installing XP. You'll have to make sure to boot off the CD for the install so adjust your bios settings accordingly. Or alternatively hit F8 or whatever it is to bring the boot screen up and select the proper cd/dvd/etc device. You'll have to format and partition your new drive, but other than that the process is extremely simple.