wipe XP HDD after W7 install as primary dual boot?

cavair · 19 Apr 2010

Im currently using XP home but just been reading up about installing W7 as the primary OS in a dual boot system.

if the XP is on the C drive is it better to have W7 in a partition on the primary HDD (as D) or on secondary HDD? Xp is in 32bit, so will W7 still run as 64bit in a dual boot system?
Obviously i have to load all programs and drivers on the W7 drive.
Can i then eventually wipe the drive with XP on it?

Or is it better overall to wipe the C completely and do a complete fresh install of W7 without a dual boot system?
Thanks for any advice - im still unclear from the tutorials!!

not so gray matter · 19 Apr 2010

If you want a dual boot system, then that's what is best for you. There's no real danger in having both of the systems on the same hard drive but on different partitions. However, if you're going to remove one or the other you'll need to read up on MBR before hand. If you don't uninstall correctly, you'll box your MBR. Whichever setup works best for you will work fine.

Keep in mind that if you have Professional or Ultimate you can download XP Mode which will allow you to run XP apps virtually on your system.

Also, be sure to download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor before purchase. It'll tell you whether or not your current hardware profile will run Windows 7 properly.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

theog · 19 Apr 2010

Have a read of those tutorials:
Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

Use EasyBCD 2.0 in Win 7 & Win XP.
EasyBCD 2.0 Beta Builds - The NeoSmart Forums

A bit more reading.
BCDEDIT - How to Use - Page 7 - Windows 7 Forums
https://www.sevenforums.com/installat...wont-boot.html
https://www.sevenforums.com/installat...ndows-7-a.html
https://www.sevenforums.com/installat...dual-boot.html
https://www.sevenforums.com/installat...ndows-7-a.html

gregrocker · 19 Apr 2010

IMO Two separate HD's is the best way to go, since you can then set preferred OS as first HD to boot in BIOS setup, or interrupt it by tapping the F-key given for Boot Menu on first bootup screen if you want to boot other HD.

This keeps both HD's independent to come and go as you please. A Windows-managed Dual boot interlocks them and makes removing one harder.

Unlike XP, Win7 installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer drivers arriving quickly via Windows Updates. Only if there are performance issues should you change any drivers given by the installer - MS spend a fortune building drivers with manufacturers to have them in the installer and via WUD. Any missing drivers should be gotten from the SUpport DOwnloads webpage for your model computer or the device.