creating a new partition for clean install?

[Grouch]

I want to do a clean install of my os but I don't want to lose all my current data. I only have 1 hdd so I was wondering if I can create a new partition on the drive and install my os on that partition without losing my data?

[amiga1200]

it's doable, but seriously NOT recommended at this point.
get partition magic in advance.
you can scan harddisk geometry and build a graph of where the written data is on the harddisk.
defragment the thing before you do anything ballsy, make sure all the data on the harddisk is stacked properly, will take some time to shift the shit.
don't make plans for the day if so.
if going the OP route, don't forget to enable the new partition as bootable.
...
if you have access to ANY decent capacity usb media (temporary use) back up everything to it before the jump into uncertainty.
it's a low-level operation that fucks with crucial structures on harddisks.
another possibility, is don't be a twat and do some shit, wait til you have a new (or used confirmed error free) harddisk, rip out the old one as is, and install a clean os on it.
then after that, put the older os harddisk into a usb enclosure, and retrieve you gear.

have fun.
[edit]
keys.

[Warrior]

Grouch it would be best I think to transfer everything of importance off the drive, use magicaljellybean (key finding program) to extract any keys for your OS/programs to a text file, make a list of all the apps you use all of the time then wipe the drive and when reinstalling make 1 or 2 OS partitions and a general data partition so when shit goes south with the OS you won't have to worry about your data again.

[Grouch]

I want to revisit this topic. is there a way to make a file of some kind that has my current windows settings that can be used on a new install? so I don't have to try an remember what settings I have enabled or disabled.
also is it possible to install win 7 on a flash drive or sd card?