Changing primary partitions to logical

Yeah but I don't want to lose data on my current Windows. So dualboot is the only option.

That's wasting a ton of space and the money it costs for a second license. Backup your data first, and then all is well. I'm going to sound like an ass when I say this....but we see this a lot. If that data is that precious that you don't want to lose it....you should have a method of backing it up already. Since it appears you have two drives, you could move your data to the second driver, and then disconnect it. Power the system back on and load Windows 7 x64 clean. Reconnect the drive once the OS is done, and you'll be simplified to one OS, and your data can be accessed to restore it.

That works for documents, pictures...but my main concern are programs-I can't back up those. And I really don't want to reainstall them all again, do all the settings...

What would happen if your primary hard drive dies? If they are important programs, then you always have a way of reinstalling them. Reinstall times and configuration is always over-blown. Yes, it takes time, but given the system will run at full efficiency, with latest drivers and app updates...it is well worth it in the end. I've simplified the process down for me to be able to do a clean install and software reload in about 90 minutes or so. I'm sure it will take others longer, but what you get in the long run is well worth it.

Setting up a dual boot isn't going to make your applications available to the x64 OS. You'd still be booting to the x86 side to use them. So you still aren't going to accomplish what you want, but you'll waste more disk space and chew up a second license key.

Yeah, but will I be able to install Windows 7 x64 on a logical partition?

You will be fine installing 7 to logical partition - the boot information for the new operating system will be added to the boot manager in your system reserve partition automatically.

Here is another screenshot in another program:


@DeaconFrost

Do you mean programs won't work as in x64, but still in x86 (possibly slower)?

I see that Unallocated is already a logical partition. So can I simply put x64 Windows 7 installation DVD in, boot from DVD and install it? Will it do all by itself?

I mean if you boot into x64, you won't be able to run the programs that are currently installed on the x86 side. You would need to have them installed on the x64 as well. You stated you can't do this for some reason. If that's still confusing, let me try with an example.

If you have a program, let's say Nero, install currently in Windows 7 x86. Then you set up a second OS, in Windows 7 x64. You won't be able to just magically boot into Windows 7 x64 and run Nero. You'd have to install Nero to the x64 OS so all the registry settings and system files get installed.

That's why I've been saying to simplify from the beginning. Get the reinstallation media or files for your programs, or find alternatives...then do a clean install of one OS, x64 in this case. Then you'll be able to reinstall your apps.