Hi there,
[nothing different from what boleary just said, but I typed it already anyway]
1. Will I loose all the music on the spinning disc if I reinstall W7, since it's connected to the same motherboard?
No. But it is a good idea to identify in advance how your OS disc is recognized compared to the music disc. The size, for instance, tells all. So, when you reinstall the OS, do not denote the wrong disc. That's all.
>2.Do I have to save xxhe and programs like dB power amp on an external HD as well?
Well, I could say yes, but expect all to be in vain because you will need to reinstall those programs anyway. Will be the same for XXHE.
What I always do is make a "dumn" copy of those programs and their relevant data to a drive I can easily access later when needed. Just to be safe and to gain lots of time in advance. So, in fact the answer to your question is Yes, but it's useful later partly only.
>3. Any one with a particular set of steps, that works best to reinstall W7?
Not me. Well, install it vanilla and shut off upgrades ASAP and then install SP1 over it. Otherwise it's more a matter of preparation for such a thing, which starts just after the Install (always thing about "what if I'd need to do this again"). This is about activation keys for programs, where your data is stored (which not necessarily is on the OS disc), etc.
Anyway it never is a nice thing; takes time and such.
All the best !
Peter