Dual Booting Windows 7 (32 & 64 bit)

[TJR357]

Is it possible to dual boot Windows 7 Pro, one partition being a 32 bit system, and one being a 64 bit?
I have a program that just won't run on 64 bit, and my processor doesn't allow for Virtual PC, so can I have a separate partition with 32 bit Windows 7 Pro running?

 

[Dinesh]

Yes its possible to dual boot Windows 7 32bit and 64 bit. Install Windows 7 64bit on one partition. Then shrink that partition and install Windows 7 32bit to the new (shrinked) partition. Also, use VMWare player or Sun Virtualbox to run Virtual OS. No need of any Virtualization support CPU.

 

[TJR357]

Yes its possible to dual boot Windows 7 32bit and 64 bit. Install Windows 7 64bit on one partition. Then shrink that partition and install Windows 7 32bit to the new (shrinked) partition. Also, use VMWare player or Sun Virtualbox to run Virtual OS. No need of any Virtualization support CPU.

What tool do I use to shrink my current 64-bit partition? Will the installation media then recognize the new partition as available for 32 bit?

 

[wallyinnc]

I use GParted. You can use Windows 7 itself to do it. Right click my computer, manage and disk management.

 

[TJR357]

I use GParted. You can use Windows 7 itself to do it. Right click my computer, manage and disk management.

Okay, thanks. And why would you choose GParted, rather than using Windows 7 natively?

 

[wallyinnc]

Not necessarily. I actually used it when solving an install problem, so I didn't have Win7 yet. GParted will allow you to move partitions to the left as well, Win7 won't. But to shrink one and create another on its right side, Win7 disk manager will be a better option.

 

[Dinesh]

Hi, follow this tutorial to shrink the volume:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2672-partition-volume-shrink.html

 

[TJR357]

Hi, follow this tutorial to shrink the volume:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2672-partition-volume-shrink.html

Very good info.

 

[TJR357]

What does the boot screen look like? Will it say something along the lines of "Windows 7 Pro 64-bit", and "Windows 7 Pro 32-bit" as options to log in?

 

[Dinesh]

What does the boot screen look like? Will it say something along the lines of "Windows 7 Pro 64-bit", and "Windows 7 Pro 32-bit" as options to log in?

No. It just says Windows 7 (version). Like for me, it says Windows 7 Ultimate.

 

[TJR357]

What does the boot screen look like? Will it say something along the lines of "Windows 7 Pro 64-bit", and "Windows 7 Pro 32-bit" as options to log in?

No. It just says Windows 7 (version). Like for me, it says Windows 7 Ultimate.

So how do you know which version to log into? I want to have a dual-boot machine with one partition running Windows 7 Pro 32-bit, and one partition running Windows 7 Pro 64-bit.

 

[Dave76]

You can look at this tutorial, it's for Win7 and Vista, but it will be very similar.

Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and Vista

You can change the names on the boot menu, there is a tutorial, Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager

The last Win7 you install will be the default OS, it will be on top of the list and if you don't select another one it will boot after 30 sec (default time limit). Which can be changed also.

 

[Dinesh]

Hmmm. Use easybcd and rename the entries as Windows 7 32bit and Windows 7 64bit appropriately.
Check this article on renaming the OS: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html

 

[plschwartz]

load both one licence

I want to dual boot win7 pro in both 32 and 64 versions. Can this be done on the one license?
Or if I chose to use in XP mode can that and 64 bit mode dual boot?

Thank you

 

[gregrocker]

Not sure. Some say they are doing it, others say it can't be done. Try it and see.

It is on the same hardware so you have a shot that it will be seen as the same installation or reinstall of same OS.

Let us know the results.

 

[wallyinnc]

you might be able to do it, but it is a violation of the EULA: The key allows you to install one instance of either x86 or x64.

 

[Qannik]

What does the boot screen look like? Will it say something along the lines of "Windows 7 Pro 64-bit", and "Windows 7 Pro 32-bit" as options to log in?

No. It just says Windows 7 (version). Like for me, it says Windows 7 Ultimate.

OK, with this option one will boot straight into the 64bit o/s one assumes & that being the case, how does one use the 32bit o/s which is on a partition on the same disk?

 

[gregrocker]

When you shrink C in Disk Mgmt to install the other OS there by booting it's installer, it will configure a Dual Boot during install - same as here: Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and Vista

If not install EasyBCD to the booting OS to add the other one on Add OS Entry tab. EasyBCD (free Download at bottom of page - no name or email required)