How to split new HDD into partitions for two different OS

[RappahoeWarrior]

I'm a Win 7 Pro 64-bit guy. I just replaced my old HDD with a 2 TB one. Is it possible to split the new HDD into two partitions and run one partition with Win7 and the other with Win 8.1?
Thanks a bunch for any help you may offer.

 

[Kari]

Hi RappahoeWarrior, welcome to the Seven Forums.

Here are some tutorials for you:

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52291-partition-hard-drive-windows-7-install.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2674-partition-volume-create-new.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2670-partition-volume-extend.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2672-partition-volume-shrink.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2668-partition-volume-delete.html

Kari

 

[RappahoeWarrior]

Thanks pard...looks like back to school is in order.

 

[whs]

If you run Windows 8.1 in virtual, you can even run both systems side by side.

http://www.sevenforums.com/virtualization/277690-vmware-player-windows-8-demo.html

VMware Player - Install Windows 8

 

[gregrocker]

Dual Boot Installation - Windows 8 and Windows 7 or Vista - Windows 8 Forums

Check if there is a BIOS update on your mobo Support page to use a drive that large.

I would create a partition for each OS and a third one for your data, then move the User folders from both OS's to the data partition, using the same set for both OS's. User Folders - Change Default Location

Another method is to copy your backed up User folders into the data partition, then link each one to each OS's Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. Then tell each OS's libraries you want that to be the default folder: Library - Set Save Folder - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

[RappahoeWarrior]

TYVM Greg - I understand much of what you're suggesting but I have need of a little more"digging" before attempting something that is for me quite new. But txs.

 

[AddRAM]

Make and use a Partition Wizard Boot CD to set up all your partitions before you install windows, it is so easy to use and never fails.

Partition Wizard Bootable CD allows user to manage partition directly with partition manager bootable CD.

 

[gregrocker]

TYVM Greg - I understand much of what you're suggesting but I have need of a little more"digging" before attempting something that is for me quite new. But txs.

The blue links are tutorials which illustrate how each step is done.

Ask back any other questions you have. It's the only way we have to know what you need.