New build with Dual boot installation

[Aardvarkly]

I'm building an all new tower. I want to set it up to dual boot W7 Pro and Linux Mint. I have been researching how to dual boot and there are a load of different methods, some involving extra software and some not. Some say to install Windows first and then add Linux. Some say to put one of them into a Virtual Machine (whatever that is). And there is a lot of advice about partitions which I don't really get. I have been using W7 for a long time and will stick with it as long as I can but at the same time I want to get familiar with Linux for the sad day I have to jump ship. They all say Linux will be simple but different. I'm sorry guys, it looks like being a near vertical learning curve for me and there is very little documentation to help me along the way.

Can anyone suggest the best way to achieve my dual boot? I can't risk bricking my existing W7 machine by making a mess of adding Linux to it so that's why the new build.

 

[samuria]

A virtual free PC is bomb proof you down load free virtual box run it and install Linux on it just like a normal install you don't need with partitions boot etc so it's safe. There will be lots of tutors on YouTube

 

[Aardvarkly]

Thanks for the response. I'll look into that.

 

[Megahertz07]

New hardware requires new drivers that aren't on the Win 7 installation disk. You have to add them to the installation disk (SATA, USB3.x, MVMe)

Update your Win 7 installation media.

Integrate7 script – automatically download and slipstream all updates!

 

[SIW2]

I'm building an all new tower.

If you are planning on running win7 you will need to choose new components with a bit of care.
For example win7 requires CSM in the bios. AMD chips with on board graphics ( ending in G ) should be avoided. On some motherboards the usb3 ports do not work with win7 - for those an add in card can be used.

 

[Aardvarkly]

If you are planning on running win7 you will need to choose new components with a bit of care.
For example win7 requires CSM in the bios. AMD chips with on board graphics ( ending in G ) should be avoided. On some motherboards the usb3 ports do not work with win7 - for those an add in card can be used.

That is a most important point. I only found out by chance while reading the various specs on the Asus motherboard site. Apparently you can't install W7 on anything past a 6th generation processor. I have purchased:
Asus Intel Prime H270-Pro LGA 1151 ATX
and
Intel Core I3 6100 BX8066213600 Skylake
3.7ghz Dual core

These should be OK with W7.

 

[Aardvarkly]

New hardware requires new drivers that aren't on the Win 7 installation disk. You have to add them to the installation disk (SATA, USB3.x, MVMe)

Update your Win 7 installation media.

Integrate7 script – automatically download and slipstream all updates!

Thanks for the links. It looks like I'll have quite a bit more preparation to do before getting on with the installation. As always, I ask one question and end up with two more to solve.

 

[SIW2]

Apparently you can't install W7 on anything past a 6th generation processor.

Yes you can - win 7 works fine on 8th gen. We even have graphics drivers for intel 8th gen.


The thing to avoid is the amd G series. AMD (non G) works fine

 

[Aardvarkly]

I stand corrected. I must have got the wrong idea from the Asus *techno blurb.
It certainly made it difficult sourcing the parts. The board was discontinued ages ago and the processors are getting a bit thin on the ground as well. Still, on the bright side, when they are superseded they get heavily discounted.

*
"Windows® 8.1 64-bit and Windows® 7 32/64-bit are only supported when using 6th Generation Intel® Processors"


Taking a break now. Back this pm.

 

[SIW2]

Biostar made the graphics drivers, so whiskylake and coffeelake with onboard graphics are fine.

The skylake you ordered will also work, of course.

 

[Megahertz07]

That is a most important point. I only found out by chance while reading the various specs on the Asus motherboard site. Apparently you can't install W7 on anything past a 6th generation processor. I have purchased:
Asus Intel Prime H270-Pro LGA 1151 ATX
and
Intel Core I3 6100 BX8066213600 Skylake
3.7ghz Dual core

These should be OK with W7.

What you bought is basically what I have. Works great.

 

[Aardvarkly]

That's good to know. Thanks.