Windows 7: windows dual boot

i have a question, if i have windows 7 pre-installed and want to install another OS like xp, will i risk damaging my windows 7 OS? e.g. will i have to repair windows 7 after i install xp, the reason im asking is because i dont have a copyof windows 7, this is all basic so please do not try to undermine me, all this is very new to me! thanks

Did you read this tutorial?

Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

There is always risk. You have to decide if the benefit outweighs the risk.

Hello chris smith, welcome to Seven Forums!



Have a look at Method Two of this tutorial at this link below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

How to Setup a Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP


You can use this tutorial to create a repair disk that will do what you need.

How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc

i was reading the thread @ Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP and i was wondering in method 2 where it 'If Windows 7 will not start up when selected, then use your Windows 7 installation DVD to do a Startup Repair',. My question is, after following the steps that are outlined in the thread, how likely is it that windows 7 will start up? the reason being that i do not have a copy of windows 7 as it was pre-installed on my laptop and didnt come with the laptop.Thanks

If you save externally a Windows 7 Backup Image then you can simply reimage your HD in 20 minutes to return to where you are now.

With that and the Repair CD you have no worries about not having a Windows 7 install DVD.

However be on the lookout for one so you have in the future the option to clean reinstall Windows 7 without the factory bloatware which comes pre-installed on a new computer: re-install windows 7

Do you have an over-riding reason to use XP at all? Dual-boot usually works ok, but why do you need it?

Just for experimentation?

to play some games that do not function on windows 7 thanks to starforce (god i wish they burn) anyway that reason, also for backup incase one OS becomes faulty

I know next to nothing about gaming----

But, I'd say you are heading down the wrong path regarding a dual boot for "backup in case one OS becomes faulty", although I"m not saying it can't be done.

Dual boot won't help if you have a drive failure.

If you don't have a drive failure, the path of least resistance for an OS failure is to repair it, restore it from an image, or in the worst case do a reinstall. Win 7 is generally more stable and secure than XP and barring an over-riding reason, you are better off with it.

thanks for the advice much appreciated, however windows 7 will be my major partition probably 200gb space, whereas xp will be 20gb. you are right thought, its a shame i have to do this, i didnt want to go through all this trouble of dual booting but the company that supplies these particular games cannot or do not want to make drivers that will support the latest version of windows (7). so what can a person to do apart from improvise a little? oh btw if i create a sytem image will there be any need of buying a copy of windows 7? thanks

Create a Repair Disk.

Type Create a Repair disk in Start Search bar. Click it.
A window opens as in below picture.

This is a repair option/boot disk to access Windows- NOT A FULL REPAIR disk.
You can't do a repair install as you would do with a retail Windows disk.
It won't do this from the disk you will be making. System Repair Disc - Create
In your case you have to use the Recovery disks I hope you already made.

This will get you into Windows to run all other tool items a retail disk will.
Make this disk.
Mark it and sleeve it so you remember what it is 3 months down the road and it isn't scratched.

Also I have XP dual booted per Method Two myself. It works fine.
I use it for NON compatible older games and other software.
Mike

It makes this without the download and it is made for and on your version of Win 7.
System Repair Disc - Create

Your two threads were merged by the moderators.