Windows 7 Professional 64 bit and 32 bit on same drive

Welcome to the Seven Forums! tcholmes

When the retail 7 was first release as well as having run the RCs before that and even the beta builds before those each 7 install was seen on a separate drive. Since the system has a preinstalled copy of the 64bit as well as the factory partitioning theme set your best move would be a dual boot across two drives keeping the 32bit on the second as well as simply seeing the boot entry for it added in by way of the free EasyBCD program. EasyBCD - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

(Apparently Neosmart's site is down for maintainence at the present moment. Download EasyBCD 2.0.2 - NeoSmart Technologies )

In most cases all too many programs will simply go right onto the 64bit 7 and run from the Program Files(x86) directory rather then the actual need for 32bit flavor. But for some older apps and games the 32bit 7 is far more backward compatible to older XP programs then seen with the 32bit Vista.

It's not impossible by any means. But this would be a better setup especially if a warranty is still in effect. This also would allow you a little more flexibility and avoid any need to remove any factory stuff to make more room.

The EasyBCD program can also see the ubuntu installed added into either BCD using the NeoGrub option included. Here I've been working with various dual and multiboot setups for some time and found if you later decide to remove one OS this provides more flexibility. PLus you can benefit by simply having more drive space available for each 7 install.

Hello tcholmes, welcome to Seven Forums!



Before we make any specific recommendations will you please post a snip/screen-shot of the entire disk management drive map with a full description as to which drive/partition is which, so we can see what you have going on as there may be a fairly simple way to resolve the situation.

In the Windows start menu right click computer and click manage, in the left pane of the "Computer Management" window that opens click disk management and post a snip of that.

Be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.


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Just as a point of order; a fourth primary can be created using the third party Partition Wizard bootable CD which would be preferable to install a Windows OS to; have a look at Option One of this tutorial at the link below for an out-line of the process and all the pertinent info.
Be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.


Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD

OK mate, whatever you think!