Dual boot access to same programs.


  1. George King
    Posts : 5
    Windows 7
       New #1

    Dual boot access to same programs.


    I have installed Windows 7 on my Computer on a separate partition to Windows XP2 to have a dual boot set up. Now, I would like to allow Windows 7 access to the Programs I have operating with Windows XP. If possible without having to install them again for Windows 7. These programs are currently scattered over three partitions including the OS partition of Win XP
    Majority of these appear to have system files in the Win XP OS.
    Is there any simple way I can get these programs to function under Windows 7 without having to install them again for Windows 7?
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  3. Dwarf
    Posts : 9,582
    Windows 8.1 Pro RTM x64
       New #2

    Many people get confused when it comes to data and program access between multiple OSes.

    Data can be accessed by multiple OSes (if that is the way that you have set your system up) providing that each OS has the correct program(s) installed in order to access it.

    Programs generally need to be installed on each OS in order to be able to work correctly. The reason for this is that many programs write data to the registry and also write some files to system directories. They may also need to access the registry whilst being executed. The exception to this rule applies only to those programs which can be run from there own folder and which make no changes to the host system - even then I recommend that each OS on the same system has its own copy of such programs.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  4. ickymay
    Posts : 1,360
    win7 ultimate / virtual box
       New #3

    personally I have a seperate partition for my "shared installs" and then access them from whichever operating system I am booted from

    programs that work well with this setup are:
    World of Warcraft
    Steam
    Utorrent

    programs that I prefer a unique install with are:
    pdf reader
    paint.net
    fastone viewer
    truecrypt
    power archiver
    office 2007
    curse
    nero micro
    incredimail

    I have found that unique installs are the only way to get some programs recognised as default by the OS
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  6. spydaz
    Posts : 34
    Windows 7 64-bit 7600 OEM
       New #4

    ickymay said:
    personally I have a seperate partition for my "shared installs" and then access them from whichever operating system I am booted from

    programs that work well with this setup are:
    World of Warcraft
    Steam
    Utorrent

    programs that I prefer a unique install with are:
    pdf reader
    paint.net
    fastone viewer
    truecrypt
    power archiver
    office 2007
    curse
    nero micro
    incredimail

    I have found that unique installs are the only way to get some programs recognised as default by the OS

    Truly... Some Programs dont need o be installed into any operating system and CAN be Shared... Its reallly a HIT and MISS Situation... I have had many a system where som old leagasy programs are really needed by a client. just make sure that TEST each install to see which ones are universal. Some can be installed over the previous one in the second os... And then work in both....

    Although not recomended.. KEEP A seperate drive for DATA (librarys etc) And opn this drive KEEP A SEPeRATE Program files,, just for these type of installations..... THings like Rocket DOck Are Universal, can even be kept on a usb key Use ANYWHERE
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

 

  Related Discussions
I've found much about dual booting but not so much about about moving programs from one to the other so hope I can get a little advice. First off, just have to say windows 10 is driving me INSANE! I can't take big brother knows what's best for me anymore BS. So, I want to dual install Windows 7...
I've got a bit of a perplexing problem here that I hope somebody can provide some insight on. Set up the dual boot with your (very awesome) tutorial and everything works perfectly there. Windows 7 was installed first to the C: drive, XP is on an E: partition of the same drive. The D: drive is a...
Okay so I set up a new partition on my hard drive to boot Windows 7 from, so that I could have both Vista and Win7 on my laptop. However, is there a way that Windows 7 can use all of the programs and files I already have in my Vista partition? I can manually go over and start them..... but they...
I am running Windows 7 Version 7260 on a dual boot with Windows XP3. I can get internet/network access when operating under Windows xp3, yet if I shut down completely then re-start into Windows 7 I have no internet access. However, if I start up in Windows XP then reboot into Windows 7, internet...
Noob here, obviously .. But I installed Windows 7 64 with the dual boot option, and have Vista 32 as my regular OS. Is there any way to transfer the programs from the Vista partition over to the Win 7 partition without re-installing each and every program? On a related note - is there a...
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

 © Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:18.
Find Us