Dual Boot Question

Hey everyone, I had a question about dual-booting Windows 7 with XP but instead of using one Hard drive, would i be able to leave my existing XP install on "C" and then install Windows 7 Beta onto drive "D"? I was curious because I didnt know if the dual boot would work properly or not, as in would a boot menu come up on startup to select the OS to boot to? A tutorial of sorts would be appreciated explaining how to get this all working. And i have heard from other people that the "boot.ini" file would have to be altered and such. Another main question is that will I be able to access the files on both drives while in either OS? Thanks in advance.

asandhu said:

Hey everyone, I had a question about dual-booting Windows 7 with XP but instead of using one Hard drive, would i be able to leave my existing XP install on "C" and then install Windows 7 Beta onto drive "D"? I was curious because I didnt know if the dual boot would work properly or not, as in would a boot menu come up on startup to select the OS to boot to? A tutorial of sorts would be appreciated explaining how to get this all working. And i have heard from other people that the "boot.ini" file would have to be altered and such. Another main question is that will I be able to access the files on both drives while in either OS? Thanks in advance.

Hi and welcome to sevenforums

Yes its definately do-able especially if the xp is already installed, and win 7 to be installed. when you install win 7 (where ever you want D it will put the bootldr and files wherre they need to be. there are tons of tutorials in the tutorial sections. One is on dual booting exactly the way you want to do it. If any editing were required it wouldn't be in boot.ini. there is an app callled bcedit and a tut for it is also here. will you be able to see xp from win 7 and vis vera, YEP. Feel free to ask questions as you go along and it will be easier than you think it is.

Hope this helps

Ken

Thank you so much Ken, you've been a great help, and also for anyone who has the same question, here is the link to the tutorial:

Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

you just have to scroll down a bit to see the part with 2 HDD's, which I did not see before.

Thanks again, im going to start the install now!

have fun Ill be lurking if you need