I really want to go back to a dual install (Windows 7-64 Pro and Windows XP) but I want to add XP to Windows 7 which is already loaded. I know how to load Sata drivers when loading XP first (have drivers on CD) but after looking at the tutorial it mentions adding Sata drivers to XP using 3.5 disk. I do not have 3.5 drive. Is there another way?
HP Pavilion a6130n/3 internal 1TB drives. XP and 7 will be on separate hard drives.
Thanks,
REL
Hi Ronlane, I have two options for you :)
1. you can slipstream the drivers into the XP ISO: SATA Drivers - Slipstream into Windows XP CD
2. you can do what this guy did but replace the drivers provided for his motherboard with your own: hey need help with sata HD :(
even if you decide to go with option 1 (and i do recommend it) take a read of option 2, it explains some pitfalls of dual booting with Win 7 installed first, and how to correct it.
Martin,
Thanks for your advise. I think I have decided that IF I go back to a dual install I probably will unplug all but the empty drive ( I have a total of 3 internal drives)
that I will install WindowsXP. Upon successful install I will probably then custom install Windows 7 over the one I already have. I guess the primary reason that I want a dual install is that Windows 7-64 does not allow syncing of my Palm Centro with Act!2010.
I guess I also have an option of simply dual installing Windows 7 with Vista Ultimate-32, which would be a simpler project, right?
REL
Hang on... Ron you don't need to dual boot at all! You have Windows 7 Professional, that means you can use Windows XP Mode Download Windows XP Mode (If your hardware doesn't support Hardware Virtualisation you will need all 3 packages, otherwise you will only need the 2. You will know if you need the 3rd package because XP mode won't work)
XP mode is basically a Virtual Computer running XP it is launched as a program from Windows 7. and once the programs are installed into XP mode you can launch them from windows 7 just like any other program
To Answer your question, yes dual booting 7 and Vista is much easier. They both basically use the same bootloader. If you install 7 in a dual boot with Vista, or vice versa, it should just tack itself onto your existing bootloader.
If you do decide to go ahead with the XP dual boot take a look at this: Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP everything you could possibly need to know.
I do use Windows XP-mode but I have not tried Act! 2010 yet. I "assumed" that Act! would not work because it needs a strong graphics card component to work well. It would be great if I could use the Palm and Act together in XP-Mode. I did not try hard to sync the Palm using USB because I could not coordinate the "attaching" part of installing the Palm desktop. I will try again and get back to you. Thank you for your advise.
REL
aha.... I see well in that case dual boot might be the best idea. I honestly have never heard of Act! so had no idea it needs a decent graphics card. give it a go on XP mode. it doesn't do any harm to try.
If however it turns out you need a dual boot, then follow the tutorial I posted above. Using Method 2 you should not need to reinstall Windows 7.
And of course the first post I made should sort your driver issue
Martin,
Act!2010 and the Palm Devices work good enough in XP-Mode. Thanks for the nudge.
REL
Windows 7 64-bit will work with Palm software through Bluetooth. You can pick up a Bluetooth dongle online for under $10, delivered. Here's some on eBay:
mini bluetooth dongle items - Get great deals on Computers Networking, Cell Phones PDAs items on eBay.com!
I've found it easier and more convenient than trying to plug in the device...
Good Luck
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