dual HD, XP/Win7 boot issue


  1. 10101
    Posts : 3
    WinXP 32bit/Win7 64bit
       New #1

    dual HD, XP/Win7 boot issue


    Hi,

    I have two HD's - one has XP, the other 7. Is it possible to set up the boot so that I have a choice as to which OS to use? I'm trying to get around having to change the boot in BIOS every time I want to switch. Thanks.
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  3. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #2

    The best way to boot with separate HD's is to set the preferred OS HD as first to boot in BIOS setup, then if you want to boot the other OS HD use the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key which every computer has:
    Asus - F8
    HP/Compaq - Esc
    Sony - F2
    Acer - F12
    Gateway - F10
    eMachnes - F10
    Toshiba - F12
    Dell - F12
    IBM/Lenovo - the blue Thinkvantage button

    This keeps the HD's separate to come and go as you please, whereas a Windows managed dual boot interlocks the HD's and makes them harder to remove.

    If you still want a Windows-managed Dual Boot menu, install EasyBCD 2.0 to Win7 to add the other OS.
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  4. 10101
    Posts : 3
    WinXP 32bit/Win7 64bit
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Thanks a lot, gregrocker. I'll try that and we'll see how it goes. Appreciate it :)
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  6. theog
    Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       New #4

    If you go the EasyBCD way, make sure you set the HD's as

    Drive 1 = Windows 7
    Drive 2 = Win XP
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  7. 10101
    Posts : 3
    WinXP 32bit/Win7 64bit
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Will do, theog. Much obliged :)
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