Any other ways to install Windows 8 without killing Windows 7?

(NOTE: If this is on the wrong forum or even on the wrong website, please tell me, and I'll ask that other forum.)

I've been thinking about using Windows 8 again, since it's been... that long. Well, the last time I used a VHD to boot into Windows 8, Windows 7 only went to recovery mode, as if Windows 8 was an actual partition on the hard drive and not just a file on the hard drive. (And Windows 8 was basically telling me that it was expired...) Now, that, I just don't understand.
I'm just asking if there's another way to do it without killing 7 because basically, all of my important things are on Windows 7! And, I really can't afford to be unable to access them or to even lose them.

So, I'm just asking, is there another way, or do I have to risk losing something or even everything?

Thank you.

~shadowboy1795~

If you can't afford to lose your data or Win7 then its reckless not to be backing it up externally. I sync my User folders to Skydrive which offers 7gb free storage for each Windows Live ID and sells more for cheap. An external HD is another popular method. Sync your User folders using SyncToys or drag them manually.

Then save a periodic backup image: Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup so if Win7 becomes irreparable you can reimage the HD or its replacement in 20 minutes. If you keep your data on a separate partition (backed up of course) then it will be current and waiting.

Once you've done this, shrink C to make a partition to Dual Boot Installation - Windows 8 and Windows 7