Dual Boot

[colt1911]

I have Vista Home Premium 64 bit installed and would like to test out Windows 7 64 bit beta in a dual boot using the same hard drive. What would be the easiest way of achieving my goal? Thanks to all who reply.

 

[DarkTears]

I have Vista Home Premium 64 bit installed and would like to test out Windows 7 64 bit beta in a dual boot using the same hard drive. What would be the easiest way of achieving my goal? Thanks to all who reply.

I actually would like to know how to do this too. I think it has something to do with partitioning your hardrive. I await an answer from a pro though.

 

[JTM]

From what I understand you would have to partition your HDD and then install Windows 7 on that newly partitioned drive. It might not be that easy because you might have to install a boot loader for windows to pick up both OS's and let you choose which one to boot. Just make sure you are sure about doing the installation because you never know with stuff like that.

 

[bm23]

i think the boot loader is automatic, at least for me it is. i dual boot vista and xp. anyway, you must first partition your hdd, like stated earlier on. then install the new OS on the new partition. you can find quite a few free partitioning softwares on google.

 

[tremmor]

are there any requirements for the partition. say another way : is it just an extended partition for the new installation?

 

[Carlton]

Create a separate Primary partition for Windows 7. If you want to test it fully with apps etc, you'll need approx the same space as Vista.

Once the partition is created, pop in the Windows 7 dvd and reboot with your optical drive set as 1st boot priority.

When you get to the section asking where to install windows 7, select your new partition.

When the installation is complete and you reboot, there will be a windows boot loader with two options . Windows 7 and Window "whatever you have".

It's pretty simple to do but don't forget Windows 7 is beta. Safest bet is to set it up in a virtual machine.