Dual boot of two Windows 7's on the same PC

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  1. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #1

    Dual boot of two Windows 7's on the same PC


    Hi everybody!

    I have a desktop computer I use for both work and normal home use. I've had separate profiles for these different uses, but I've recently had the idea of installing another copy of Windows 7 alongside the current one, to be used solely for work, while the other would remain purely for home use. This is to separate home and work uses, as well the software and settings specific for both.

    And how to install? Will there be some conflicts if I'll install the new copy while I have the current OS disk disconnected. And then after installation is complete, reconnect the current OS disk. Should dual boot be working now? I've done normal dual boot before with XP and Ubuntu, but have never tried to dual install the same OS.

    Should I get EasyBCD ready, just in case some MBR conflicts occur because of the install?
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  2. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #2

    Hello.




    The first issue is, do you have a second activation key as you will not be able to use the same key for both installations; 1 key = 1 installed OS; if you try to use it on 2 separate installs the key will be black-listed and will not work to activate an OS at all.
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  3. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    No, I just have a single license, but if this dual install proves feasible, I'll buy a second one. But isn't it possible to test it by installing Windows 7 without a key, and if it works, then buy and enter a new one, and I'm all set?

    BTW, thanks for the warning about key being revoked!
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  4. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #4

    Have a look at the tutorial at the link below.


    Activation Trial Period - Extend Up to 120 Days





    Also have a look at this one for some ideas.


    Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and Vista
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  5. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks for the links! I'll try this out today, and I'll post here how it goes.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #6

    Yes, do be sure to post back with updates.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 303
    Win7 Win 10, Win 8.1
       #7

    Why would you need a 2nd license? It's the same hardware. It is just like formating and reinstalling. It should activate. If not, he can call.
    It's not like hes running 2 OS at the same time.
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  8.    #8

    There's nothing anywhere in the EULA that says you can't install it twice on the same computer so long as both copies aren't running simultaneously
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  9. Posts : 226
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       #9

    madtownidiot said:
    There's nothing anywhere in the EULA that says you can't install it twice on the same computer so long as both copies aren't running simultaneously
    That can't be right. So I could have one computer at my vacation home with one copy of 7 on it, and then I have another computer at my other house with the same copy installed. So, as long as I turned one of the machines off I could run that one copy? I don't think so.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 303
    Win7 Win 10, Win 8.1
       #10

    letsdoamazing said:
    madtownidiot said:
    There's nothing anywhere in the EULA that says you can't install it twice on the same computer so long as both copies aren't running simultaneously
    That can't be right. So I could have one computer at my vacation home with one copy of 7 on it, and then I have another computer at my other house with the same copy installed. So, as long as I turned one of the machines off I could run that one copy? I don't think so.
    As long as the hardware is the same it would work.
      My Computer


 
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