January 17, 2008
How do I… Install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP?
Takeaway: Are you really excited about the prospect of experimenting with the new features in the Windows Vista operating system, but are not yet ready to give up your existing Windows XP installation? Greg Shultz walks you step by step through the entire dual boot configuration procedure.
This article is also available as a TechRepublic download. A TechRepublic gallery explaining how to create a dual boot configuration is available as well.
Are you really excited about the prospect of experimenting with the new features in the Windows Vista operating system, but are not yet ready to give up your existing Windows XP installation? For instance, you may be on the fence, because you're not 100 percent sure that all your existing hardware and software will work in Vista and you still need them to get your work done.
If so, then you may be the perfect candidate for a dual-boot configuration. With this type of configuration, you can easily experiment with Windows Vista and still use Windows XP. In other words, you get to have your cake and eat it too.
In this article, I'll discuss some of the options you'll need to consider as you begin thinking about and planning for adding Windows Vista to your existing system in a dual-boot configuration. I’ll then walk you step by step through the entire procedure.
The location options
In order to install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP, you need to have either a second partition on your existing hard disk or a second hard disk in your system. To give yourself enough room to experiment, you should have at least 20 GB and preferably 40 GB of space available on either the second partition or on the second hard disk.
If you don't have enough available space on your existing hard disk for a second partition, then you'll need to connect a second hard disk to your system. If you do have enough available space on your exiting hard disk for a second partition, then you'll need to obtain a partitioning software package. I recommend, Symantec’s Norton PartitionMagic only because I’ve used PartitionMagic for years. However, there are other partitioning software packages that I’ve heard are just as good, such as Acronis Disk Director or VCOM Partition Commander Professional.
Of course, detailed instructions on connecting a second hard disk or partitioning your existing hard disk are beyond the scope of this article. However, in either case, the second hard disk or the second partition must be formatted with NTFS before you begin the installation operation. If you add a second partition to your existing hard disk via a partitioning software package, you will be able to format it as NTFS at the same time as you create the partition. If you're installing a second hard disk, the easiest way to format it as NTFS is from within Windows XP’s Disk Manager, which you can quickly access by pressing [Windows]+R to access the Run dialog box and typing diskmgmt.msc in the Open text box.
The installation options
You can approach the dual-boot installation operation in one of two ways — by cold booting from the Windows Vista DVD or by inserting the Windows Vista DVD while Windows XP is running. As you can imagine, you'll encounter slightly different liquid cialis introductory screens depending on which approach you use, but once you get stared the operation is essentially the same.
While both methods will produce the same result, I prefer the cold booting from the DVD method. The main reason is that you don't have to worry about any interference from antivirus/antispyware/firewall software on your existing Windows XP installation.
Performing the installation
Once you have your second partition or second hard disk operational, just insert your Windows Vista DVD, restart the system, and boot from the DVD. Once the system boots from the DVD, Windows Vista’s Setup will begin loading and will display the screen shown in Figure A.
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Figure A: |
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| Windows Vista’s Setup will take a few moments to load files before the installation actually commences. |
In a few moments, you’ll see the screen that prompts you to choose the regional and language options, as shown in Figure B. As you can see, the default settings are for U.S. and English and if that’s you, you can just click Next to move on.
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Figure B: |
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| The default settings on the regional and language screen are for the U.S. and English. |
On the next screen, you’ll be prompted to begin the installation procedure, as shown in Figure C. To begin, just click the Install Now button
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Figure C: |
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| To get started, click the Install Now button. |
In the next screen, you’ll be prompted to type in your product key for activation, as shown in Figure D. By default, the Automatically Activate Windows When I’m online check box is selected; however, you’ll notice that I’ve cleared it. The main reason that I’ve done so here is that while writing this article, I’ve experimented over and over with this installation procedure and want to conserve on the number of times that I can legitimately activate this copy of Windows Vista before Microsoft locks it down and requires me to call in and manually request a new product key.
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Figure D: |
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| At this point in the installation, you’re prompted to type in your product key for activation. |
Now, if you just want to temporarily install Vista in a dual-boot configuration while you experiment, but plan on installing it as your main operating system once you’re satisfied with the way that Vista behaves with your hardware and software, you too may want to disable the automatic activation routine. Even though you’ve disabled the automatic activation routine, you can still install Windows Vista and use it as you normally would for 30 days.
If you want to keep Vista in a dual-boot configuration, you can activate your license online anytime you want. If you decide to make Vista your main operating system, you can repartition your hard disk, reinstall Vista on the main partition and activate the new installation in the process.
If you decide to disable the automatic activation routine, you’ll see a confirmation dialog box, as shown in Figure E, which contains a harsh warning and prompts you to reconsider. You can just click No to continue.
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Figure E: |
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| Even though this dialog box contains a harsh warning, Microsoft wouldn’t have made automatic activation a choice if opting out was really dangerous. |
Because, I didn’t enter in a product key, Setup doesn’t know what edition I’ve purchased and prompts me to select one of the seven editions on this disk, as shown in Figure F. Since, I'm working with the Ultimate edition, I selected that edition, checked the box, and clicked Next.
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Figure F: |
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| When you don’t enter a product key, Setup doesn’t know what edition you have a license for and so prompts you to select one of the seven editions |
On the next page (Figure G), you’ll see the Microsoft Software License Terms and are prompted to read through them. However, unless you’re very curious you can just select the I Accept The License Terms check box and click Next.
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Figure G: |
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| Unless you’re very curious, you can just click through the license terms screen. |
If you’re booting from the DVD, when you get to the Which Type Of Installation Do You Want page, the only option is Custom (advanced) as shown in Figure H. To move on, just click the Custom icon.
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Figure H: |
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| When you boot from the Windows Vista DVD, the only installation type that is available is the Custom (advanced). |
When you arrive at the Where Do You Want To Install Windows? page, you’ll see your second partition or second drive. I created a second partition on which to install Windows Vista, so my page looked like the one in Figure I.
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Figure I: |
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| I created a second partition on a 160 GB hard disk on which to install Windows Vista. |
Once the select a partition or disk and click Next, the rest of the installation will continue as it normally would. As such, I won’t follow the installation procedure any further in this article.
Windows Boot Manager
Once the installation is complete, you'll see the Windows Boot Manager screen, as shown in Figure K. As you can see, booting either Windows XP (listed as an Earlier Version of Windows) or Windows Vista is a simple menu choice. This menu will appear on the screen for 30 seconds before Windows Boot Manager launches the default operating system, which is Windows Vista.
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Figure J: |
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| The Windows Boot Manager allows you to select which operating system you want to boot. |
The Activation countdown
Since I described installing Windows Vista without activating it for testing purposes, I wanted to point out that the Windows Vista will indeed keep track of your 30 day trial on the System screen, as shown in Figure K. In addition, it will regularly display
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Figure K: |
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| If you decide not to activate during your dual-boot installation, you can keep track of how many days you have until you must activate on the System page. |
Configuring Windows Boot Manager
As I mentioned, the Windows Boot Manager menu will appear on the screen for 30 seconds before Windows Boot Manager launches the default operating system — Windows Vista. However, if you wish to adjust the countdown or change the default operating system, you can do so from within Windows Vista.
Once you've booted into Windows Vista, press [Windows]+[Break] to access the System page. Next, click the Advance System Setting link in the Tasks pane and confirm though the UAC prompt. When you see the System Properties dialog box, click Settings in the Startup and Recovery panel. You’ll then see the Startup and Recovery dialog box, as shown in Figure L.
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Figure L: |
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| You can use the controls in the Startup and Recovery dialog box change the default operating system and the number of seconds that the Windows Boot Manager menu will appear on the screen. |
In the System Startup pane, you can change the Default Operating System setting from the drop down list as well as use the spin buttons to adjust, up or down, the number of seconds to display the menu before launching the default operating system.
Conclusion
Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along side Windows XP is a great way to experiment with the new operating system until you get comfortable with it. In this article, I’ve shown you how to how to create a Windows Vista dual-boot configuration.
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January 17, 2008
al said:
How do I… Install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP?steve.brunt@… – 02/08/07
Please read the original article.
Reply 1. Keep references to the two disks separate steve.brunt@… – 02/08/07
If you have the two disk scenario with say XP on the first and Vista on the second then it’s been my experience that you’ll end up with booting of the Vista disk dependent upon the presence of the first. (I am an old mainframe guy, not a Windows guru, but I believe that the boot.ini file and ntldr.exe etc stay on the first disk) So if you have a bios that allows you to choose which disk to boot from, you can set up the second (Vista) disk separately and have no interdependencies. You may have to disable the first disk while you do the clean install of Vista otherwise it will try to setup a multiboot system anyway.
Reply 1.1. Dual Boot With a clean Vista installation whoozhe@… – 02/08/07
I read from WindowsSecrets site that Vista upgrade can only be installed from an existing installation of XP, 2000 or Vista. The article also says that the previous installation does not have to be activated so by installing Vista without the key then reinstalling Vista as an upgrade over the “trial” installation will work. This method is hard coded in Vista so is legal. My question is can this method be applied to a dual boot system. The article I refer to is at http://www.windowssecrets.com/comp/070201#story1
Reply 1.1.1. It works technonaut – 02/19/07
This method works, I just did this last night. The “upgrade” failed the first time around but worked the second time. Why, I do not know. My question is, I would like to keep the dual boot for several reasons, but would like the boot loader information which currently resides on partition 0 XP to be moved to partition 1 Vista so I can specify disk 1 in my motherboards bios as the first boot disk. Currently, if I choose disk 1, which holds the Vista install a message appears that the ntldr is missing. Any assistance will be much appreciated.
Reply 1.1.1.1. boot error solr_07666@… – 02/19/07
you need to edit the boot.ini file on disk1 to point to the vista installation. If you make all your system files visible, you will see boot.ini on the C: drive (disk 0). You need to edit this for Vista and copy it to the vista drive.
Reply 1.1.1.1.1. Dual Boot d.arbib@… – 02/19/07
Of course I would have done so! But as neither drive booted up to installing any OS so obviously could not access boot.ini I was able to get primary drive open is safe mode but it is not possible to modify boot.ini or anything else therein. I did try to find a way in CMD to change boot.ini but I lost my way and could not get any help.
Reply 1.1.1.1.1.1. boot ini keithboorman@… – 03/27/07
Vista dosent use boot.ini anymore they have new system. But you can overcome your problem by installing VistabootPro 3.10 from there you can make the right boot file, it does it for you.
Reply 1.1.1.1.2. Dual Boot – Changing Configuration technonaut – 02/20/07
Since Windows Vista no longer uses the boot.ini file, I was thinking the answer to this might be a little more complicated and involve editing the BCD file. Again, any assistance is appreciated.
Reply 1.1.1.1.2.1. Just change the order Greg Shultz – 02/20/07
If you want Vista to boot up be default, all you have to do is access the the Startup and Recovery dialog box as shown in Figure L in the article. You won’t be able to move the boot loader information from partition 0 to partition 1.
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1.1.1.1.2.1.1. Other Alternatives? technonaut – 02/20/07
Thanks Greg for your quick response, I do have the Vista install as the default boot, I just do not like having the boot loader information on what is in this instance an older, slower hard drive where XP resides. You answered my question, apparently the boot loader is not movable between partitions. Any other alternatives or ways to have a dual boot system with Vista / XP in which I can control which partition the boot loader information is stored? The method you set forth works flawlessly, I just want to have more contol of what OS resides on what partition, or in this case disk, and where the boot loader information is stored.
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1.1.1.1.2.1.2. Alternatives? technonaut – 03/01/07
Anybody have any thoughts? (Besides running one OS in a VM)
Reply 1.1.1.1.3. Dual boot d.arbib@… – 03/26/07
Of course. But trying to change boot.ini default was not allowed and both 32 bit and 64 bit were, in BIOS setup, both default and neither would open. Partially solved by installing 64 bit Vista first then 32 bit XPpro/SP2 on slave drive. One of the problems is that there are still very few 64 bit compatible programs. Does anyone know of a source detailing which are 64 bit compatible.
Reply 1.1.2. Partition from Vista d.oltmann@… – 04/16/07
Don’t mean to seem dumb but can one set the new partition in Vista then recover XP and reinstall Vista to the new partition without wiping it out? (Vista express upgrade) Dave
Reply 1.2. Keep references to the two disks separate Bill the Senior Tech – 02/09/07
Exactly the best way to go, and if you are discovering SW titles with any discovery tools, you should disable access to the Vista Drive/Partition, so that Software discoveries are not utilized where they are not warranted
Reply 1.3. Too Difficult Net_Tech@… – 02/09/07
Why not install Virtual PC and run it that way? I found no problems or errors in the install and the function of the OS. Seems to get around all the “dual boot” scenarios.
Reply 1.4. Use the BIOS to choose iusethisaddresstocollectspam@… – 02/12/07
Since a Vista machine has to be modern it is very likely that you can choose in the BIOS which hard drive to boot from. I think that would be easier than dual boot – providing you are using separate hard disk. Dual boot always seems to end up a pain in the butt – while I haven’t tried it with Vista I have with other MS products and Linux – I wouldn’t recommened it.
Reply 1.5. Editing the BCD File Greg Shultz – 02/12/07
A reader sent this comment to me and I thought that I would share the question and the answer: Q) In the old BOOT.INI file for WXP and W2K, I could modify the title string to display what I want to select a bootable O/S in the boot menu. In your article titled “How do I… Install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP?”, I don’t see how to change “Earlier version of windows” string in Vista’s Boot Manager to say something more applicable like “Windows XP” or “Windows 2K” in a multiboot configuration. I found this to be a problem during my testing of Vista beta releases and haven’t found the answer. Maybe you can shed some light on how I can modify these Boot Manager strings? A) Windows Vista no longer uses the Boot.ini file. That file and the old underlying boot system has been replaced by a new boot loader/bootmgr, which reads boot configuration data from a special file named BCD. A brand new tool called Bcdedit.exe (Boot Configuration data Store Editor) can be used to make more in-depth changes to the contents of the BCD. Keep in mind that Bcdedit.exe is a command line tool that operates solely via switches and as such, is a bit cryptic. To run the command from within Vista: 1. Right click on the Command Prompt shortcut and slect the Run As Administrator command 2. Type the following command: bcdedit /set {legacy} Description “Windows XP” The text inside the quotes can be anything that you want to replace the “Earlier version of windows” string in Vista’s Boot Manager.
Reply 1.6. Dual boot vista and linux vista installed first. normhaga@… – 05/01/07
My laptop came with Vista Ultimate x64 pre-installed. After working with Vista a while, I found that I did not care for Vista. I split the partition and installed Linux on the second partition. The dual boot was a hassle. This is what I finally did: 1. Installed grub in the root partition of the Linux install. 2. Down loaded a copy of “dd for windows” and copied the first 512 bytes of the linux root partition to a file called “Linux.BOOT”, which I placed in the root partition of the Vista install. (If you feel macho you can do this with a hex editor) 3. opened an administrative command window and: typed bcdedit /enum (list boots) typed bcdedit /create “Linux” (create the registry entry) typed bcdedit and listed the UID of the new Linux entry typed bcdedit /set {new Linux UID number} device=boot typed bcdedit /set {new Linux UID number} path Linux.BOOT Viola, dual boot Vista an Linux with Vista’s boot manager. This can be done with XP or whatever. With XP, you do not have to copy the first 512 bytes of the XP boot sector, just point bcdedit to (I think) NTLDR. Ruk folks.
Reply 2. Dual Boot Hell rowengal@… – 02/09/07
I did a dual boot and found a serious issue that I have not been able to resolve. If I boot to XP with Vista installed in 2nd partition, then boot back to Vista, all restore points in Vista are errased. Hiding the Vista partiton from XP using TweakUI did not help. Sure could use a suggestion to resolve this. On a good note, I also found that if you can’t find Vista drivers for some devices, you can use XP drivers as long as they are digitally signed. Got my web cam working that way.
Reply 3. dual boot Windows 95 and Windows NT shraven – 02/09/07
Other than your gyrations with the Windows activation nonsense, what’s new with your article? This is the same process it’s always been.
Reply 4. Changes in Windows Vista Dual Boot. ugh138@… – 02/09/07
When you install Vista in a dual boot environment it will claim the partition that you are installing to as the primary partition. Vista has done away with boot.ini file and forces you to use the Windows Boot Manager to select your partition. If you configure the Boot Manager to use XP as the Default Operating system, your computer will revert back to using the Boot.ini for XP on load which does not have entries for the Vista Partition. You will either have to add it manually to the XP boot.ini file or use the command line tool bcdedit.exe on your vista partition to revert the default OS back to Vista.
Reply 4.1. Not really…. cleaverx@… – 02/12/07
I have used bcdedit to set windows XP as the default with a 5 second delay, and that gives me plenty of time to pick either os for booting from the new boot manager. I have a 250Gb Seagate, with three partitions; XP and Vista occupy the 1st and 3rd, with the middle partition being used for data only.
Reply 4.2. Vista 64 bit problem d.arbib@… – 02/14/07
In a dual HDD system I had a 32 bit XPpro.SP2/IE7 system on primary drive and installed 64 bit Vista on secondary drive (and updated it) but then on re-booting both drives were identified as default and trying to open either I got “ntdlr” corrupted. I could open primary drive in “Safe Mode” but could not change boot.ini. Ultimately I gave up and had to re-install from scratch. Micosoft, in their wisdom, suggested installing 64 bit Vists first and 32 bit XPpro on secondary drive. Haven’t dared do this yet and I wonder if anyone has experience of this.
Reply 4.2.1. Tried it….and failed sirrand@… – 02/18/07
I’ve got the Vista 64-bit Ultimate edition (retail) loaded. It runs great, even with 2 8800gtx’s in SLI. I tried loading XP on my second hard drive after getting Vista all configured and after XP finished loading the files and rebooting I got “disk read error occurred Press ctrl+alt+del”. I figured out that this action corrupted my Vista partition, but luckily after booting with my Vista disk I repaired it and booted again safely into Vista. Have not tried this again.
Reply 4.2.2. x64 first works wcpierce1@… – 02/23/07
I have a system very similar to yours with dual HDs and XPHome installed. I tried to upgrade to Vista x64 from an OEM DVD but couldn’t because the file system on my HD was Fat32. So, I booted Vista from the DVD and did a clean install on my secondary HD. Once Vista was up and running I formated the primary HD in NTFS, this of course removed my XPHome installation. I then shut down the computer opened the case and PHYSICALLY disabled the HD that now has Vista x64 on it. I rebooted from my DVD multi drive with the XPHome CD in it and reinstalled on the now reformatted HD. Once XPHome was installed and updated I then shut down the computer, reconnected the HD with Vista on it and changed the HD with XP on it to slave and the HD with Vista as the master. These HDs are on the primary IDE controler and the DVD multi drive is on the secondary controler by itself. Now when I boot the computer Vista will boot automatically and if I need to use XP I just hit F8 at the BIOS screen and boot from the other HD. For some reason Vista doesn’t “see” the other HD at all. It’s as if it wasn’t connected to the computer at all. I don’t know if this is a result of the method I used to install or not, but it works out because there are no conflicts between the two HDs.
Reply 4.2.2.1. x64 same issue PDFITZG1974@… – 05/01/07
I had same problem and was using same solution but thought my drive had gone bad when Vista didn’t detect it and I never did the F8 thing (there was a SMART error on the drive too, so when it didn’t show up in Vista, I thought it had died). Thanks for the post.
Reply 4.2.2.2. Dual Boot XP and Vista d.arbib@… – 05/01/07
I see in this chain the problems of dual booting XP and Vista and I have sort of given up, Reading the above of physically disconnecting drives, I have chosen to re-build a computer with updated components and plug-in hard drives which will, of course, be similar to disconnecting one or other in the hope that if I install XP on one drive and Vista on another it will work OK. We live to have problems to solve!
Reply 4.3. Dual Boot hell d.arbib@… – 07/03/07
After real struggles with trying to Dual boot 32 bit XP abd 64 bit Ultimate, I gave up and now have re-configured my PC to accept plug-in drives. I use XP with its programs for general use. Turn computer off and remove XP and “play” with Ultimate trying to find programs that are compatible. Ha, Ha!
Reply 5. partition with GPARTED spam@… – 02/09/07
Hi, I have a dual boot of windows XP and windows Vista Business running happily on the same machine. Quite easy to do. 1 – partition your drives with gparted (why? well, because it’s free! http://gparted.sourceforge.net/). Make sure the partitions are both master partitions. 2 – install xp on one partition 3 – install vista on another partition voila.
Reply 5.1. and how to remove puntim – 02/09/07
Vista and its boot manager should you decide to reclaim its space? I got rid of Vista with a reformat but am left with its boot manager. Any ideas on getting rid of the latter?
Reply 5.1.1. old scool fixit@… – 02/12/07
to remove any boot loader boot a win98se floppy or CD and get a dos prompt then do: fdisk /mbr Done!
Reply 5.1.1.1. thanks for the suggestion puntim – 02/12/07
but I have already tried doing this from the XP instal cd in repair mode with no result. Will have another go using a usb stick formatted as a win98 boot disk regards
Reply 5.1.1.1.1. Recovery Console cleaverx@… – 02/12/07
Did you try both fixmbr and fixboot?
Reply 5.1.1.1.1.1. hmm.. . fixit@… – 03/02/07
You know its strange to me, but it never even entered my mind to use the XP CD recovery console. When I want to be rid of an old OS i use the old familiar tools because they boot quick. Windows98 CD boots fast and the commands are very familiar. J
Maximum Level Reached
5.1.1.1.1.1.1. I use Dumphrey – 03/26/07
the norton ghost 2003 cd for the same reason. GDisk is very much like fdisk but can read and write ntfs and ext2/3 partitions as well. Boots in 35 sec as opposed to the 1 min + for XP recovery console. I use to use a 98 boot floppy, but I do not have floppy drives any more, and one machine will not boot off a USB stick. Though it would be sweet to have a 98 boot disk on a USB key.
Maximum Level Reached
5.1.1.1.1.1.2. Recovery console on Vista CD jbanks@… – 03/26/07
I ran into this problem and used the “Boot sector restoration tool” through the recovery console booting from my Vista install disk. You can access the recovery console through one of the repair options on the Vista disk Assuming your Vista DVD is on drive E and XP is on drive C, open the recovery console command prompt and type: E:boot\bootsect.exe /nt52 C: If it doesn’t work because access is denied and it can’t be unmounted. If this is the case, type: E:boot\bootsect.exe /nt52 C: /force It isn’t recommended to use the /force switch unless you have to. If your system was doing a write operation at the time it could cause an error on one of your files. I found this solution on a message board when my system was rendered unbootable when Vista had a issue.I’d give credit to the site if I could remember! This got me back to the XP bootloader and into XP. Handle with care…Vista doesn’t seem to disappear very clean.
Reply 5.1.1.1.1.2. Thanks for all suggestions puntim – 04/01/07
But after working through them as they came in, the one that worked for me was that by JBanks a couple of posts down. Could not put this post as a reply due to the forum limit But thanks again
Reply 5.1.1.1.2. Why NOt use “G_disc” ian.men@… – 12/31/07
Gdisk will remove any and all partitions on any HDD but be carefull you could loose All reading the help file is a must.Gdisk is part of Norton Ghost distro’s and is also on Hire’s Boot & Maintainence cd,very very handy.
Reply 5.2. I agree mark.broadnax@… – 10/05/07
I did the same thing, using gparted. Worked just fine. The best way to dual boot Vista and XP is to install XP first. When you are ready to install Vista, boot off the Vista CD. This way the install will find the available partition with no problem. Also, doing it this way will make either partition the C:\ drive. That is, whether you boot into XP or Vista the partition containing the OS you are booting off will be seen as C:\, which will allieviate problems with applications that insist on installing on that drive
Reply 6. And what about Linux? mroseberry@… – 02/12/07
I absolutely will not install the express upgrade to Vista Business on my laptop unless I can dual boot Vista and XP but I would love to be able to multi-boot Vista, XP, and Linux on on my laptop. Does anyone know if Vista, XP, and Linux can be setup to do a multi-boot from the same hard drive? If so, how can it be done?
Reply 6.1. Multi-Boot…… JCitizen – 02/12/07
I am sure other experts on this thread will probably give better advice; but I had no problem multibooting using the regular intall routine of any Windows operating system. It was only necessary to install the oldest OS first in the primary partition and in ascending order from there. Just pick the correct partition to install to during the pre-install dialog. I saved my Linux OS for last and used the instructions for multi-booting from the booklet that came with the disc set. It all seemed very intuitive and was easily done from beginning to end. I formated FAT 16 for ’98, and NTFS for all the rest of the Windows partitions; – then whatever New File System for the particular distro of Linux used.
Reply 6.1.1. What if Linux is already there? don.martin@… – 02/14/07
I’ve been wondering about this too. I already have DOS, Win2k and a couple of Linices and I’d rather not reinstall /everything/ just to get Vista on. I’m thinking I could just install each Linux over the top of its current install and would hope that it won’t overwrite all my customisations? Does anyone have any experience at this?
Reply 6.1.1.1. On Previous installations… JCitizen – 02/14/07
Sorry I don’t have enough Linux experience in that area; so I can’t help you there. You can only have four primary partitions per hard disk – the rules say you can’t run an operating system on logical drive partitions but I ran XP on one for 3 years, until I started messing with the allocation tables and then it blew up of course. Other wise you could run more that way. I have used Partition Magic to copy partitions and mirror one partition to another, it is very powerfull and has worked swimmingly; but I have found the new versions are poorly written like all of Symantecs other software, so is consequently unstable. Make sure the base formatting was done by the original disc manufacturers software or risk losing all data. Hard drives are getting cheap; looks like it is time for you to buy another one.
Reply 6.1.1.2. Install Vista First hassan_125_9@… – 02/15/07
Install Vista first and then install Linux. They both’ll work fine.
Reply 6.2. virtual keith.vongunden@… – 02/14/07
get something like virtual PC or VMware.
Reply 7. Triple Boot JollyRgr – 02/12/07
The dual boot option appears to be a viable solution, I’ve use it many times in the past. I’m currently building a new test system and was looking to set up an XP Pro 32bit/Vista 32bit/Vista 64 bit option. Are there any complications that you are aware of when installing the 64bit version I should be on the look out for?
Reply 8. Partitions must be Primary not Logical pianoguy@… – 02/14/07
My two hitches when doing this were: 1. I had used PM to create partitions of my new 200GB drive and it recommended “logical” partitions (I created two). But in Vista setup it didn’t see them, so I went back to PM and changed them to Primary, and then Vista setup worked. 2. I also couldn’t get the DVD to boot, no matter what I did with the boot order. THEN a friend suggested to make the DVD drive a primary not slave. Voila! Did it. FYI: I’m going to try to triple-boot, with two versions of Vista each on primary partitions of my main HD (I use a second HD for all data storage), plus XP. I’ve never done more than a double, and never tried even that with essentially the same OS. I need a separate test environment for Vista+Office’07 (in case you wondered). Thoughts anyone?
Reply 9. Multiversion don.martin@… – 02/14/07
The article implies that the one DVD contains all Vista versions, and that the serial no. will dictate which parts of the disk gets installed to the HDD. Is that caorrect? Can I install Ultimate to play with, then install Home later on when I want to register? Also, does anyone know whether the install DVD contains 32-bit and 64-bit versions, or do they come on separate DVDs?
Reply 9.1. Yes Greg Shultz – 02/14/07
Yes, the Windows Vista DVD’s will contain multiple versions of the operating system in order to facilitate the Anytime Upgrade feature. Yes, if the DVD has multiple versions, you can install any of the versions on the DVD for a free 30-Day trial. You must then reformat and then reinstall the version that you purchased. You can then activate it. The 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Vista come on separate DVDs.
Reply 9.1.1. Thank you don.martin@… – 02/14/07
Excellent answer.
Reply 9.1.2. Accessing both partitions steve@… – 02/26/07
Can the Vista partition access files on the XP partition, and vice versa, doing this or are the partitions totally independent and invisible to each other?
Reply 10. Why 2 Windows Vista choices on boot screen j’s – 02/16/07
I created the partition and followed the instructions for the install. My boot screen has 2 choices for Vista. The correct one is already highlighted, the 2nd gives an error of” Windows failed to start…File: \windows\system32\winload.exe… I don’t need this 2nd selection. How can I get rid of it?
Reply 11. Other solution Neon Samurai – 03/01/07
Run winXP in a VMware virtual machine. This works great for everything except Games where the drivers need direct access to hardware. Previously I was a fan of the removable drive boxes back when I was running Dos, win98, winNT on the family computer but on my own drive to keep my fiddling from breaking the usable shared OS isntall. These days though; VMware that bad boy.
Reply 12. Vista rearranges drives and takes over “Program Files” william_selph@… – 04/16/07
Here is my starting system: disk1: “C” XP with basic SW in “Program Files”; disk2: “D” no-OS with additional SW in “Program Files”; installed Vista upgrade to disk2. with Vista installed here is what happened. disk2: “C” Vista with basic SW in “Program Files”; XP applications erased; glad I had a backup; disk1: “D” XP untouched and dual-boot works. So i had to move the disk2 “Progarm Files” in place; boot XP and uninstall each application; then re-install into disk1 so OS will truely be separate.
Reply 12.1. Dual boot d.arbib@… – 05/01/07
Finally gave up trying to use 32 bit XPpro/SP2 on one drive and Vista Ultimate 64 bit on the other Wouldn,t work properly whichever was first installed I am now re-building an AMD 6000+ computer with front plug-in hard drive caddies and hope that I can plug in one or other OS, be it Vista, XP or Linux Has anybody had experience of this procedure?
Reply 12.1.1. Yes Dumphrey – 05/01/07
though the caddies I used were pretty cheap and woujld not allow another device on the same bus as the caddy. Over all, its a very nice way to go for multiple OS. No risk of other OS corruption, no hasell with boot loaders, and a second (or third) hard drive can be set up as a fixed disk to use as a swap disk between OS’s.
Reply 13. RE: How do I… Install Windows Vist mark.aziere@… – 06/21/07
I have installed Vista using the Seperate disk method, however, it does not give me the dual boot option; Shouldn’t it have written to the Boot.ini file already? Can this be done manually, and if so, which OS’s Boot.ini should I add the line to? Any other suggestions?
Reply 14. RE: How do I… Install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP? manojdxb2002@… – 06/24/07
I was having dual operating system with vista and XP now i am not able to get access on XP please help me my Email Id is manojdxb2002@hotmail.com Thanks
Reply 15. RE: How do I… Install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP? DaveHoniker – 07/02/07
what about the reverse way first Vista then XP. My new laptop came with vista and i want to install xp and use dual boot.
Reply 15.1. XP after Vista emerem2tor@… – 12/31/07
This is what I did: I installed XP on D: drive on the same HDD (Vista is on C: drive). Now I got XP working, but not Vista! I’m trying to figure it out how can I have both of them…
Reply 16. RE: How do I… Install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP? jimdeese@… – 07/31/07
can I install xp on a system that already has vista installed ?
Reply 17. RE: How do I… Install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along wi psycho_550@… – 10/01/07
Can this work with an raid 0 setup with two 150gb raptors?
Reply 18. RE: How do I… Install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP? chris092070@… – 12/20/07
the best way to do this isuse the bios to change boot order,and either disable or enable boot other device option…..its so simple it sounds difficultyou install vista on 1 harddrive and xp on the other.then you set boot order depending on operating system desired,if you have vista on master ide 1,and xp on slave ide 1,and you want to boot vista and be able to access xp while booted to vista,access to xp for using files from it,then boot order in bios would be like this….. floppy hdd 1 cdrom boot other devices…yes(or enabled) THIS gives you access to xp harddrive in “my computer” if you want to boot to xp install and have access to files in vista ,then you change bios settings like this floppy hdd 2 cdrom boot other devices…yes(or enabled) now you have access to files in vista as the harddrive will be visable in “my computer” besides why would you want 2 partitions on a single harddrive anyways,what if the hard drive crashes and is unusable,a second partition on a single harddrive is putting all your restoration back up,drivers,files,and soforth at risk of being lost.use a second harddrive formatted for storage,or run a harddrive with vista,and one with xp and have copies of important files on both,hell even use a usb hard drive as a third storage drive.this is the way i roll,and i have never said “i lost everything when my harddrive crashed” but,this kind of configuration is hard to do on a raid system,but i dont like raid anyways,to much of a headache when you are trying to “perform miracles” and keep it simple oh i give lessons on wendsdays>>>>>>>
Reply 19. RE: How do I… Install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP? chris092070@… – 12/20/07
the best way to do this isuse the bios to change boot order,and either disable or enable boot other device option…..its so simple it sounds difficultyou install vista on 1 harddrive and xp on the other.then you set boot order depending on operating system desired,if you have vista on master ide 1,and xp on slave ide 1,and you want to boot vista and be able to access xp while booted to vista,access to xp for using files from it,then boot order in bios would be like this….. floppy hdd 1 cdrom boot other devices…yes(or enabled)or disabled i cant remember THIS gives you access to xp harddrive in “my computer” if you want to boot to xp install and have access to files in vista ,then you change bios settings like this floppy hdd 2 cdrom boot other devices…yes(or enabled) or disabled now you have access to files in vista as the harddrive will be visable in “my computer” besides why would you want 2 partitions on a single harddrive anyways,what if the hard drive crashes and is unusable,a second partition on a single harddrive is putting all your restoration back up,drivers,files,and soforth at risk of being lost.use a second harddrive formatted for storage,or run a harddrive with vista,and one with xp and have copies of important files on both,hell even use a usb hard drive as a third storage drive.this is the way i roll,and i have never said “i lost everything when my harddrive crashed” but,this kind of configuration is hard to do on a raid system,but i dont like raid anyways,to much of a headache when you are trying to “perform miracles” and keep it simple oh i give lessons on wendsdays>>>>>>>
Reply 19.1. Dual Boot danielarbib – 12/21/07
I am not trying to partition my drive with two operating systems, I have two physically indepedent drives “C” and “D” both of which are accsesible in boot up process. This works fine with two identical XPpro/SP2 setups, but when I wiped to raw state my “D” drive and install Vista Ultimate 32 bit, then I found that neither drive would open normally
Reply 20. RE: How do I… Install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP? cutestpilot@… – 12/31/07
i need to do the opposite cause am sort of sick from Vista atthe same time i would like to keep it atmy computer so how can i do so?? Thanks alot
Reply 20.1. Dual Boot XP and Vista danielarbib – 01/01/08
Finally, as I said, in another reply, I gave up and built a system with a plug-in/caddy hard drive option. Now all I do is to shut down and remove one drive with, say Vista 64 bit Ultimate and insert my trusty XPpro 32 bit which then boots normally. Dual booting from BIOS has been a nightmare.