Need HELP w/ Dual Boot XP Pro32 & Win7 Ultimate -VHD or Partition

Guess I'm simple & stupid

When I currently install programs on D-drive, XP will put some of the programs crap on C-drive regardless with pointers back to D-drive programs. If I understand correctly, I would have to add a folder to my D-drive (like Win 7), with sub-folders within it for each new 64bit program install. That way, with a new computer I could take the Win 7 (HD#3 discussed above), put it in the new system & done except for changing a few program file location pointers?

Also, I added a 3gb switch to my XP Pro boot.ini a while back. When I turn on my machine it gives me 30sec. to decide between the two (XP std. or XP switched). Can similar be done for Win 7 load option or do I NEED to go into BIOS every time to select?

THX

bjack56 said:

Guess I'm simple & stupid

Umm, no, that's why it's written "make it stupid simple" - if you were stupid the motto would be "make it simple, stupid" (there is a big difference).

bjack56 said:

When I currently install programs on D-drive, XP will put some of the programs crap on C-drive regardless with pointers back to D-drive programs. If I understand correctly, I would have to add a folder to my D-drive (like Win 7), with sub-folders within it for each new 64bit program install. That way, with a new computer I could take the Win 7 (HD#3 discussed above), put it in the new system & done except for changing a few program file location pointers?

If during Win7 install you partition the new drive into "C:\[C-Win7]" and "D:\[D-Win7]" you would follow what you do with your XP install as under Win7 "C:" would be the Win7 "C:" drive and "D:" would be the second partition on the new drive - your XP related drives/partitions would be identified further down the alphabet. There would be no need to reset pointer in Win7 if you stuck with "C:" and "D:" partitions on a single physical drive.

bjack56 said:

Also, I added a 3gb switch to my XP Pro boot.ini a while back. When I turn on my machine it gives me 30sec. to decide between the two (XP std. or XP switched). Can similar be done for Win 7 load option or do I NEED to go into BIOS every time to select?

THX

Boot device selection at startup (after POST). Believe me, it's no big deal - after the second time you do it you'll be a pro at it (it's that hard!).

Regards,
GEWB

Unfortunately, I am the latter NOT the former :)

My system is SCSI capable, but I've never had a problem w/ WD SATA drives (knock,knock). Found a couple of options with 6gb sec. transfer.
1) 7200rpm w/64mb cache - 1tb
2) 10000RPM w/32mb cache - 150gb
Suggestion?

3) What min. size should I make the new HD partitions - "C:\[C-Windows 7]" and "D:\[D-Windows 7]"?
4) Should I do any mobo or bios "flash" updates prior to Win 7 install or leave it be?

TY for your VERY kind info. & assistance! Now onto figuring out how to setup an XAMPP (apache) webserver for either OS to communicate with a new Yamaha Network Stereo Receiver on my home network which is supposed to be controllable from PC/Laptop which started this whole problem/fix.

bjack56 said:

Unfortunately, I am the latter NOT the former :)

You'll do just fine - this stuff isn't rocket science, just a little common sense, mechanical aptitude and a desire to try something new.

bjack56 said:

My system is SCSI capable, but I've never had a problem w/ WD SATA drives (knock,knock).

No need to worry about SCSI or RAID or anything else at this point. Get into that later if you want.

bjack56 said:

Found a couple of options with 6gb sec. transfer.
1) 7200rpm w/64mb cache - 1tb
2) 10000RPM w/32mb cache - 150gb
Suggestion?

Option (1) will be just fine.

bjack56 said:

3) What min. size should I make the new HD partitions - "C:\[C-Windows 7]" and "D:\[D-Windows 7]"?

Depends on the drive you install. Ask 10 people and you'll get 9 different answers. I suggest no less than 100GB for "C:" (no real reason except my Win7 boxes use 25GB to 50GB depending on the software I installed). Use the rest for the "D:" (and any additional) drive.

bjack56 said:

4) Should I do any mobo or bios "flash" updates prior to Win 7 install or leave it be?

See BFK's reply - if it works now, don't fix it!

bjack56 said:

TY for your VERY kind info. & assistance! Now onto figuring out how to setup an XAMPP (apache) webserver for either OS to communicate with a new Yamaha Network Stereo Receiver on my home network which is supposed to be controllable from PC/Laptop which started this whole problem/fix.

Ah, maybe someone else can jump in on that (start a new thread topic).

Regards,
GEWB