I am building a new computer with all new components, bought Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit. I will have 4 hard drives, 1 for Win 7 64 bit, 1 for XP pro 32 bit, 2 others to back each OS on. What OS should I install first, or does it matter, I have read a lot in this forum about a dual boot but nothing specific about a new build, Thanks Jim.
hm... i would do windows 7 first.... then xp..... but it doesn't really matter although you will need a boot loader unless you plan to change the first boot drive every time you start up
I would like to be able to choose which OS each time the computer starts, so I will need a boot loader, where though?
you would need the bootloader on the booting hdd, although i'm not sure what to tell you to use as my bootloader always came with my ubuntu install...... ie grub, not sure if you could do a freestanding grub without a linux install.... it might be possible...
@2002z06
Its easy and straight in windows land, you don't have to install any boot loader, windows will do all that for you.
Install Windows XP on the first HDD, then Install Window 7 on the 2nd, Windows 7 will install the boot manager for you, and the next time you boot, you will get a choices for Windows 7 & Windows Old version (i cant recall the name windows uses, but its the XP).
I now understand the dual boot process, XP first then Win 7, Win 7 first then XP you need Easy BCD. What are the the pros and cons of doing it either way, what if I want to eliminate XP later what is the preferred way if any, I will be using seperate drives. Thanks Jim.
There isn't any difference in performance doing either way, but its much simpler to install XP first and then Win 7
To eliminate XP later, remove or format the XP HDD, boot into Windows 7 recovery console and Fix MBR, Fix Boot.
Or if you are using EasyBCD, there is an option to install the Win 7 MBR
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