dual boot XP and WIN7

F

firefrost

New Member
I have XP on my computer and wanted to dual boot with WIN 7 .I installed a second HDD in the computer and bought WIN 7 home premium.
I was advised to unplug [ IDE ] XP while installing WIN 7 so I did.
Now I have to go into the BIOS to choose which O/S to boot.
Is there an easy way out of this,not too technical, so that I get the option at start up. Or should I install WIN 7 again with XP connected?
All help appreciated.
 
You need to install with XP drive connected if you want the option at boot. Technically, its easier to have both installs on 2 different partitions on the same drive and then to have it on 2 separate drives.
 
The drive I have XP on is only 40 gb and I have been using it for many years. My idea was to install 7 on my new 160gb drive, get familiar with it and use 7 for all important things.
I have not partitioned the new drive so would have to format and partition then reinstall XP then 7 on the same drive . I don't know if I would have problems with Microsoft installing 7 again and XP. I have a product recovery disk for XP and the 7 disk is the full version, not update. Thanks for your input.
 
You can leave XP drive the way it is. Partition the 160 gb drive into 2 partitions, like 50gb for os and programs and then the balance of the drive for data. Leave the XP drive attached when booting to the W7 install cd and then partition the new drive and then install W7. After installing and rebooting you should see a boot menu with 2 options, Windows 7 and older microsoft operating system.
 
Right, I'll try that. I was a bit concerned that microsoft might question me putting Win 7 in twice. Thanks again, will try this at the week-end.
 
Shouldn't have a problem with it, you are just reinstalling on the same computer. If you have a problem, just call them, but you shouldn't have any at all.
 
I spent some time at the week end reading up on partition & format and was going to use GParted but it was getting a bit involved. Burning a CD etc. I have just found a method by microsoft using disk management which looks more straight forward. It seems I can just right click on the 160 GB drive and wipe out my installed Win7. Then put in the extra partition and format.
Last will be reinstalling Win 7 with XP connected and hopefully will have the option of which OS to boot without going into the BIOS. Will report back.
 
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