Easiest way to Dual Boot

[nuMERICA]

Hey guys,

I switched to Vista Ult x64 recently, and of course I found out that some of my hardware doesn't have support for Vista x64 and some software doesn't work on it as well.

I would like to install XP on another partition and I would like to know:

1) What is the best practice for doing so. First install Vista, then XP, or vice versa?
2) Is there software out there that will let me run XP in windowed environment so I can easily switch from Vista to XP without having to reboot?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: nuMERICA
I switched to Vista Ult x64 recently,
I would like to install XP on another partition and I would like to know:
1) What is the best practice for doing so. First install Vista, then XP, or vice versa?

If you have a second hard drive, you can install each OS on one drive and use the motherboard boot screen to choose which OS to boot. The installation order will not matter in this case and you can re-install either OS or remove either with no impact on the other.

If you must have a boot menu, the easiest way is to install the older OS first.

2) Is there software out there that will let me run XP in windowed environment so I can easily switch from Vista to XP without having to reboot?

http://www.microsoft.com/windo...virtualpc/default.mspx
It is free.
This is even easier as you have pointed out. But, it limits performance. So, it would not be good for gaming.

 

[nuMERICA]

Thanks for the reply Navid. I have one more question. You don't really need to have separate drives, just separate partitions, right?

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: nuMERICA
You don't really need to have separate drives, just separate partitions, right?

That is correct.

But, you need two physical drives if you want to use the motherboard boot screen to choose which OS to boot. This has the advantage of the two OS being completely independent.

 

[nuMERICA]

Well... Alright.

I moved stuff around and freed up 2 HDs for the OSs. Installed both of them and I found a couple of things.

1) You have to install XP first, Vista second, otherwise you wont be able to choose between one or the other. You have to use a program such as EasyBCD to fix the issue, or I guess fix the boot inis yourself.

2) VirtualPC is not really what I was looking for. I was looking for some software that would actually use my other HD and my hardware. Basically I guess I am wishing for magical software that will boot xp in a window using my other HD.

After searching around I have not found any software that does this, so is there a way I can switch OSs in an easier way? As easy as switching user accounts or something like that. I just hate seeing the bios screen all the time.

I found this video of a guy on a mac who is switching between OSs, I want something like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUmnU3E4-x4

Is there such software for PC?

Thanks!

 

[Navid]

The most convenient way for dual booting (if and only if you mostly boot one) is described here.
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...222333&highlight_key=y

 

[techmanc]

If you want you can install on 2 separate hard drives and use a removable hard drive like those found here.
I used that setup for a long time. You can do as many different setups as you want just need a drive and tray combo for each setup.

http://www.newegg.com/Store/Su...3&name=HDD-Accessories