How do I dual boot a computer with two versions of Windows, One being an untouched os with all the original programs I got with the laptop and another OS that I can put what ever on. Both being windows 7
Hello xuserx and welcome to Seven Forums.
It's my understanding you'll need two valid Product Keys for licensing/activation purposes. This Microsoft TechNet forum thread offers additional info:
Boot capability from two partitions - dual boot 2 versions of Windows 7
I see marsmimar just posted and is spot on about licensing.
Here is what I was writing to post here:
You should post a screen print of disk management before you attempt any changes
Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image
That will help the SF installation gurus give you the best advice :)
You can take a look through this tutorial to see what to expect and get a better understanding of dual boot:
Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and Vista
While that tutorial is for 7/Vista dual boot, it should be very similar (if not the same) for a 7/7 dual boot.
You can use same "product key" as far as I know (anyone may correct me if I'm wrong). I did it in the past, no problems.
One being an untouched os with all the original programs I got with the laptop => is that what is on system now? Or ...
another OS that I can put what ever on.=> is that what is on system now?
Post current disk management please. Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image
Follow the same steps as in Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and Vista.
Post back a screenshot of Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image so we can advise you better on how to shrink your partition for the new install, or if using a separate HD unplug all others during the install to keep the OS's booted independently via the BIOS>
Obviously the first concern is getting more space in C. You can borrow it from D using our favorite tool here as shown in How to extend partition easily with Partition Wizard - video help.
Then I would move the data on E into D, Extend E borrowing space from D to the size you want for your new OS partition. This would give you two OS's partitions with a data partition in the middle. You can even link your data from D to the two OS's using Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums.
Let us know how this goes.
I understand what your saying I'll give it a shot
Another way once you move the data off E into D, would be to delete E, shrink D in Disk Mgmt to the size you want for E, then create a new partition E in the space you've made.
Partition or Volume - Delete
Partition or Volume - Shrink
Partition or Volume - Create New
But since you need to add some space to C from D anyway, this is best done using the Partition Wizard tool, which can also borrow space for E in the same way.
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