Beginner to Dual Boot, couple of questions

After following the instructions on this website I now have XP (32-bit) on my original HDD and Win7 (32-bit) on a second/new HDD.
As dual boot is new to me I would be grateful if someone could answer a few questions:-

1. For Win7 (second HDD) I was not sure if the original Intel (D945GCNL) Mobo installer CD would work so I downloaded and manually installed the latest Win7 drivers (Chipset, Graphics, Audio & LAN) instead. However, the installer CD usually installs (or updates?) DirectX 9.0c. As Win7 comes with DirectX 11 already installed, does this cover the DirectX 9 my Mobo (integrated graphics) are limited to? Some say "it only has core libraries" and "the DirectX Web installer should be run to update them", if that is the case I would be grateful for an exact name, or link, so I use the correct one.
2. For Win7 (second HDD) I installed an Antivirus, even though there is one already installed on XP (original HDD) and they each scan both drives. Is that the correct thing to do, I presume they cannot conflict as only one can ever be running?
3. XP comes with its "Shared Folders" and Win7 is a bit different with its "Homegroups", as the file system of the original HDD is XP and the second HDD is Win7 can I copy/move files between drives or will this cause problems? I was thinking of copying files from/to a shared folder on the XP drive.

Many thanks for any replies. :)

Thanks for the info Jonathan_King.

Now, DirectX 9 came with your CD, but it is outdated.

Win7 says I have DirectX 11 installed but my Mobo (integrated graphics) are DirectX 9.

Does DirectX 11 cover DirectX 9 and 10 motherboards fully so there is nothing to install?

Thanks again for the info Jonathan_King.

Unlike XP and Vista, Win7 installer is driver-complete. You should not install other drivers unless they are missing in Device Manager or performance dictates it.

MS spent a fortune sponsoring the WHQL program with all manufacturers to build 7 drivers, so they have them first in the installer since they paid the bill. This also kept manufacturers from holding back on driver building to force new hardware purchases.

If you replaced drivers supplied by the installer, suggest you System Restore before blunder. Then only provide drivers where they are missing, or if performance is lagging for a hardware or service.

Posted by gregrocker
Unlike XP and Vista, Win7 installer is driver-complete. You should not install other drivers unless they are missing in Device Manager or performance dictates it.
........If you replaced drivers supplied by the installer, suggest you System Restore before blunder. Then only provide drivers where they are missing, or if performance is lagging for a hardware or service.

I did n't know that, thanks for the info gregrocker.

I may be lucky and get away with my error. I looked at Intel Support and according to them the Chipset is OK to install after an OS install (does not mention not to if Win7) and the installer for it will not install if it finds an existing chipset already installed, even if older version.

For Graphics they say:-
"drivers supporting the integrated graphics controller of the Intel 945, 965, 3, and 4 Series Express Chipset families will be available on the Windows 7 OS retail installation disc; however Intel recommends downloading the latest graphics driver available for your computer."
This version was dated later than Win7 release and upped the Graphics score from 3.2 to 3.4.

Audio and LAN were both very recent (Nov.2009 & Jan.2010.) The Realtek installers looked very similar to the ones that ran when I automatically updated the drivers from Intel support for XP, previously. I am pretty sure they update older versions OK.

Device manager shows them as having been installed and says "This device is working properly."

Hopefully I will be OK so I will see what happens and use System Restore if there are problems. Can you post a reply if you think this would still be a mistake in these circumstances. Thanks.

Unlike XP and Vista, Win7 installer is driver-complete......MS spent a fortune sponsoring the WHQL program with all manufacturers to build 7 drivers, so they have them first in the installer since they paid the bill. This also kept manufacturers from holding back on driver building to force new hardware purchases.

I never saw this information anywhere. Is that because the manufacturers want us to think their older Mobos that are not Win7 supported need replacing , or was I not looking in the right place? How would someone that had used their XP or Vista Mobo installer CD be informed Drivers not needed for Win7?

If you have performance problems, suggest you System Restore to before you changed out the drivers given by installer.

If not, you're fine.

If you have performance problems, suggest you System Restore to before you changed out the drivers given by installer.

If not, you're fine.

Thanks gregrocker