Dual boot setup by adding image to partition

Roger.

gregrocker said:

Why won't you answer the question why you can't plug in both HD's and choose which to boot from the one-time BIOS Boot menu key?

You can save a backup image using Macrium or Acronis premium imaging app which comes free with any WD or Seagate HD in the mix, then apply it to Unallocated space you've freed up. Choose auto drive letter, do not include MBR or track 0 during imaging when the options are chosen, then after imaging install EasyBCD to add the newly imaged OS by name, drive letter and type. Report back results.

I can do that, but I'd have to buy a caddy and it might impact battery life. I'd lose the DVD as well. It's not a bad option, however. I might end up doing that if the partition option causes problems.

gregrocker said:

Why would you have to buy a caddy? Is this a laptop? Still waiting for your system specs.

If it's a desktop then you should be able to plug the HD in to an internal SATA port.

It's a Dell e6410. That's a laptop. I mentioned it in the OP. I can buy a caddy, if the other way is tougher.

Is either HD a WD or Seagate? If so you can use their premium imaging app which has an easy to understand Manual on the download page:
WD Acronis free cloning app
Seagate Acronis cloning free util

If not then I'd use Macrium - Image your system.

You don't need to use the boot disk since you can install it to do the tasks needed. But you may need your Win7 DVD or System Repair Disk if repairs are required to the image to get it to start after adding with EasyBCD. Try it and see.

Thanks, gentlemen (I assume). The disk on the bottom is the work disk. I have the following tools at my disposal:

Acronis True Image.

Acronis Disk Director.

Easeus To Do Backup

Easeus Partition Master.

Our collective brains.

I realized that there's only about 30GB of date on the work disk. I probably don't have to change the partitions.