Windows 7: How can I test 64-bit drivers/2nd Win7 Install

Hi All,

I'm currently using Win 7 RC 32-bit on this comp, and am looking to move to 64-bit by the time RTM comes round.

My question is - everything except my scanner has 64-bit drivers. There is this program that included 64-bit compatibility with a large number of scanners, and mine is listed.

Is there anyway I could install a second Windows 7 on a third partition (of this same hard drive), and try the driver with that to check it works? As I understand it you can't test drivers etc. in a VM install.

Appreciate people's thoughts, thanks!



Andrew.

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to install it on a seperate partition. I mean you wouldn't even need to activate it to use it long enough to test out a couple of drivers. just set aside a partition, then when you install choose advanced setup, and then specify the partition when it asks you where you want to install. Im 99% you would be able to install on another partition. Just grab a 64bit iso and test all the drivers you want lol

yeah,make a new partition (at least 20gb) and go for it.

Thanks! It won't confuse the bootloader etc?

And once I'm finished testing, I could just delete the whole partition and things should be back to normal? (ie. original Windows 7 boots).

It shouldn't confuse the bootloader no, it will just add another windows 7 option to the list. And when you finish your testing, you can delete whichever partition you choose. Although, sometimes even when you delete a partition, that choice that doesnt exist may stay there, so youl just need to make sure you click the one that still exists

Edit- What I mean is, once you delete a partition, there is a chance that the option to the deleted partition may stay in the bootloader. Just make sure you choose the option in the bootloader that still exists if that does happen. But if you slip up and choose the on thats not there, itll tell you, and you can ctrl-alt-del to restart and choose the other Windows 7 option, cuz thats the one that will be there. Itll be trial and error to see which one is the new Windows 7 when you finish installing it, as there will be 2 win 7 options

Yes thanks good to hear - and then if the third entry is still there just use bcdedit to remove it and all will be great?

Thanks!

yep...now stop sitting there and start installing!!...lol

That would be Correct

Thanks heaps for the help!

lol +1