How to update Vista(x64) to Win7(x64) on dual-boot computer?

Hi,

I need to upgrade my Windows OS on a dual-boot computer.

I was hoping that I could just purchase this

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate (32- or 64-bit) GLC-00184 B&H Photo=

and do the "upgrade install" option.

However, I don't know if it will be as simple as that since I am in a dual boot configuration. (System specs below.)

I also don't really know which boot loader the computer uses, and the company which built it is no longer in business.

Previously, I had to update to SP2. I couldn't get it to work, until I found advice on a Linux dual-boot forum which said to disconnect the power and SATA cables to the non Windows drives for the SP2 update to be able to take effect. This worked.

Would an upgrade install be as easy as unplugging the these drives and running the installer, or am I missing something?

Thanks in advance,

Andrew

Here is my disc management.

There's no need to create a Windows Dual Boot menu if you have separate HD's. Just boot the preferred HD by setting it first to boot in BIOS setup. Then boot the other OS HD using the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key.

In that case you'd unplug all other HD's to run the Upgrade install from Vista. A simple guide to a successful in-place upgrade - Windows 7 Forums

Afterwards plug back in the other OS HD and choose the one to boot using the BIOS as explained.

In addition why are you running with the hideously ugly Windows 2000 graphics when your hardware more than supports the elegant Aero transparency theme for Win7? Turn it on in Control Panel>Personalization or type Aero in Start Search box to run the troubleshooter.

I am in Vista dual-boot wanting to upgrade to Win7.

The first boot-menu that I see is a "psystar" boot-menu.

Third image down on this review:

Psystar OpenPro Review - Desktops - CNET Reviews

Image of boot menu.

The link indicates you have a specially built PC meant to Dual Boot Apple OSX and Windows Vista. Your screenshot also depicts a UEFI System partition on OSX which adds additional complication.

Before proceeding I'd read the Manual for your PC on its Support Downloads webpage. I'd also contact their Support to see how Vista is Upgraded while maintaining the Dual Boot, and if there's a way to Dual Boot via the BIOS bypassing their Boot Menu.

In this case unless you want to try to turn off the Dual Boot in BIOS, you might be better off sticking with it since it looks like its built into the OEM at factory.

I would still unplug the Apple HD, set the Vista HD to boot first to see if it will start on its own. In this case you should be able to Upgrade to Win7 without it interfering with the Dual Boot. If you plug back in OS X HD and the Dual Boot is gone, then you can boot via the BIOS BOot Priority and BOot menu which is preferable anyway.

Normally when you install Win7 last, even upgrading Vista, with another WIndows OS onboard and still plugged in it will configure a Multi-Boot menu, however there's no way this will happen with an Apple product which requires special software to use with Windows, normally Boot Camp. Do you know if that's what's on the PC?

gregrocker said:

There's no need to create a Windows Dual Boot menu if you have separate HD's. Just boot the preferred HD by setting it first to boot in BIOS setup. Then boot the other OS HD using the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key.

I'm not creating it. It's already there. I just don't want to screw up being able to boot either choice because of any installatiion mistakes.

gregrocker said:

In that case you'd unplug all other HD's to run the Upgrade install from Vista. A simple guide to a successful in-place upgrade - Windows 7 Forums

Is it just the power, just the SATA, or both that need to be disconnected?

gregrocker said:

Afterwards plug back in the other OS HD and choose the one to boot using the BIOS as explained.

In addition why are you running with the hideously ugly Windows 2000 graphics when your hardware more than supports the elegant Aero transparency theme for Win7? Turn it on in Control Panel>Personalization or type Aero in Start Search box to run the troubleshooter.

Sorry you don't like my theme, as it is set for performance with video editing software.

gregrocker said:

The link indicates you have a specially built PC meant to Dual Boot Apple OSX and Windows Vista. Your screenshot also depicts a UEFI System partition on OSX which adds additional complication.

Before proceeding I'd read the Manual for your PC on its Support Downloads webpage. I'd also contact their Support to see how Vista is Upgraded while maintaining the Dual Boot, and if there's a way to Dual Boot via the BIOS bypassing their Boot Menu.

Psystar is out of business, and the "manual" it came withh is three pages long.

gregrocker said:

I would still unplug the Apple HD, set the Vista HD to boot first to see if it will start on its own. In this case you should be able to Upgrade to Win7 without it interfering with the Dual Boot. If you plug back in OS X HD and the Dual Boot is gone, then you can boot via the BIOS BOot Priority and BOot menu which is preferable anyway.

As I mentioned in the original post, the computer boots straight to Vista when I disconnected the OSX HD.

gregrocker said:

...Boot Camp. Do you know if that's what's on the PC?

I don't know, but I think it was something the system builder made themselves.