Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP


  1. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2110

    dav1129 said:
    Brink said:
    You shouldn't need to. That tutorial will show you how to do a direct clean install with an upgrade Windows 7. :)
    Oh great, thanks. what a relief.

    should have read the tutorial first sorry

    I'll give it a go after breakfast.
    No problem. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
    Last edited by Brink; 05 Oct 2014 at 17:10. Reason: added quote
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 48
    Windows XP SP3
       #2111

    Brink said:
    No problem. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
    Thanks.

    Well I did a quick dual boot installation with XP yesterday and I must say, I think I could live with Windows 7 and learn to like it. So really before I waste too much time I should install it as a stand installation on my new solid state drive.

    The only thing though is not being able to activate it.

    I only have the Windows VISTA OEM license on the bottom of the laptop and the OEM Windows 7 Upgrade discs.The new discs don't have any keys. I never installed VISTA and I think, removed the hidden recovery partition from the factory.

    So what can I do short of call Lenovo or Microsoft?
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  3. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2112

    You could try calling Lenovo, but most likely you may end up needing to purchase a new copy of Windows for a key.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 48
    Windows XP SP3
       #2113

    Brink said:
    You could try calling Lenovo, but most likely you may end up needing to purchase a new copy of Windows for a key.
    You don't think Microsoft would be sympathetic?

    I could also look and see if I really did delete the hidden partition - no wait I had to have because I don't think its the original disk.
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  5. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2114

    I'm afraid not when it's a lost OEM key. I'm not thinking Lenovo will be either, but it can't hurt to try.

    You can look in Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc) to see if you may still have the recovery partition or not.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 48
    Windows XP SP3
       #2115

    Brink said:
    You can look in Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc) to see if you may still have the recovery partition or not.
    Did that. Nothing. It's a new 500GB disk which I put in and then swapped the original into my other Thinkpad which I was using at the time - until I gently dropped it and suffered a catastrophic hard disk failure.

    Brink said:
    I'm afraid not when it's a lost OEM key. I'm not thinking Lenovo will be either, but it can't hurt to try.
    I am or would be hoping that I might have a case with Microsoft well, it would be a plea more than anything else. I have the original OEM key for VISTA with the notebook and the Upgrade media just no Windows 7 key and no way of reinstalling VISTA.

    I suppose it would be a lot of work to download VISTA somewhere, install just so I could upgrade to Windows 7. I don't think I have ever paid 4 Windows retail. What would 7 Ultimate run to?

    Ooh. More than I thought. About $200 or more on eBay.

    Actually if if I have to spend $200 on an OS I'd rather put it towards a more recent late model T series ThinkPad (the last before Lenovo made too many changes - I am a T series freak never owned anything else, not even a desktop!)
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  7. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2116

    Sure, Ultimate would be fine to purchase and use on it as well. It's basically the same as Pro, but with more features.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 48
    Windows XP SP3
       #2117

    Brink said:
    Sure, Ultimate would be fine to purchase and use on it as well. It's basically the same as Pro, but with more features.
    Dopey git that I am! The upgrade license was on the back of the CD envelope and activation worked. I just never looked because I just assumed I would have to install over VISTA for the installation to work.

    So here's a question then. As this installation is temporary, is it hardware related and if so, what will I have to when doing a clean install with a new solid state drive?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2118

    LOL, don't feel bad. It happens. :)

    You could just format the partition or drive this temporary installation is on, then install and activate it on the new SSD when ready.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 48
    Windows XP SP3
       #2119

    Brink said:
    LOL, don't feel bad. It happens. :)
    It was a relief especially that the key worked with a clean installation

    Brink said:
    You could just format the partition or drive this temporary installation is on, then install and activate it on the new SSD when ready.
    Yes but is the activation at MS tied to a hardware key. If so, can I just re activate it if I change a hardware component.

    I actually wasn't able to run Windows Update before and I thought activation might make a difference but I still seem unable.
      My Computer


 

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