Boot Win 7 and Win XP - 2 HD's one PC

Hi,

I have a computer where currently I have two hard disks each with XP Profesional installed. I have a menu to select which of the XP's to boot. My wife is using this computer too with some applications for her job and I need to keep she's data separated.

For the menu I have modified boot.ini file on my wife's XP system ( please see bellow).

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="[ Me ]" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="[ Mary ]" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

If I install on my hard disk Windows 7 can I keep the same boot.ini file?
If not what would be the best choice.

I am new with Windows 7 but I really want to make the change.

Thanks,
Cristi

scda said:

Hi,

I have a computer where currently I have two hard disks each with XP Profesional installed. I have a menu to select which of the XP's to boot. My wife is using this computer too with some applications for her job and I need to keep she's data separated.

For the menu I have modified boot.ini file on my wife's XP system ( please see bellow).

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="[ Me ]" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="[ Mary ]" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

If I install on my hard disk Windows 7 can I keep the same boot.ini file?
If not what would be the best choice.

I am new with Windows 7 but I really want to make the change.

Thanks,
Cristi

Win 7 doesnt use boot.ini but it will install a boot manager to handle both the xp's if they are both attached when installing win 7.

Where are you going to install win 7?

Hi,

My hard disk HD-1 I want to install Win 7 , my wife's hard disk HD-2 is already with Win XP.

Thanks,
Cristi

Take a look at Method one in this tutorial:
Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

Thanks for the tip.I think I was unable to find this link because I didn't know the spelling is "dual boot" or I have completely forgot.

Still I would like to be able to name the menu items.You know the financial guys and computers is not the best mix.
I can disconnect the HD with Win XP and then to install Win 7 on the other hard disk.This way I can configure dual boot after both OS are installed.Is not better this way.

You can use EasyBCD, is best used in Windows 7.

Download EasyBCD 2.1 - NeoSmart Technologies

In the link you gave me in your first post I have found EasyBCD.I think I can manage this from now.

Many thanks for your quick support,
Cristi

You are correct that it's much better to unplug the XP HD when installing Win7, then after install choose which HD to boot via the BIOS setup Boot Order or the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key.

This keeps the HD's independent to come and go as you please, whereas allowing Windows to configure a Dual Boot menu or using EasybCD to do this it will interlock the HD's requiring surgery to remove one.

Follow these steps to clean install Win7: Clean Install Windows 7

I'll follow your instructions.For me using EasyBCD to setup the dual boot looks the best choice.

Thanks