New OS

[ilya124]

Hey, its me asking about windows 7 again. Before I install it, I'm debating whether to install it over xp or dual boot both 7 and xp. Is it safe to install over xp?

 

[Droogie]

Hey, its me asking about windows 7 again. Before I install it, I'm debating whether to install it over xp or dual boot both 7 and xp. Is it safe to install over xp?

is it safe? yes.

for me when i installed over vista, it automatically made a "windows.old" folder, it saves all of your documents, program files, etc.

 

[Bodaggit23]

I would dual boot first to make sure you like it, so you don't have to reinstall XP again.

 

[ilya124]

if i install it over xp, will it make a .old folder? because i am backing up my documents on an external hard drive, i am just worried if it will have some big problems so that i would need to reinstall everything again. P.S does dual booting make my comp slower?

 

[Bodaggit23]

if i install it over xp, will it make a .old folder?
It might, but I don't know. I've only done fresh installs.

P.S does dual booting make my comp slower?
No. Once you create the partition to install the second OS, you will be able to boot to either one, and they will run normally.

Answers in Red.

 

[ilya124]

ok then. i guess i'm going to dual boot. or fresh install. grrr. IDK! lol

 

[Bodaggit23]

If you've got all your documents backed up, and you still have an XP Retail disc, then just wipe it and install without the Dual Boot. Saves some headache.

BUT: If you don't have an XP retail disc, you will never be able to go back unless you dual boot.

 

[pfig88]

right. There's no disadvantage to dual-booting save disk space. If you have a >500gb drive, you'll be fine to dual-boot 2 OSes and lots of data.

 

[ilya124]

i have the dell recovery disk that came with my computer, will that work in case i want to go back to xp?

 

[Droogie]

when you do the fresh install, it'll ask if you want to create a windows.old folder, yes.

 

[Bodaggit23]

i have the dell recovery disk that came with my computer, will that work in case i want to go back to xp?

No. The only way to use that, is to dual boot, and keep the XP partition.

If you format and install Win 7 only, you'd be stuck.

 

[pfig88]

No. The only way to use that, is to dual boot, and keep the XP partition.

If you format and install Win 7 only, you'd be stuck.

I have a Dell XP Recovery disk, and its the same as an install disk, just like an OEM copy... it should work fine, I did the same thing with Vista- you'll lose your files though...