How to set up a dual OS with switch between HDD's

lffoar · 16 May 2017

Being an old fart who should know better, I still tend to "fix" things that aint yet broke, just gotta fiddle with it!!!

So, here's the go.......I'm running two HDD's, one SSD with Win 7 64bit OS plus necessary programs and another 1Tb for my junk. I want to install maybe XP 32bit for older games and such. What I'm thinking is a switch on the outside of the case which would allow connections and power to go to HDD (a) with W7 on it and not fire up HDD (b) with XP. Conversely, flick the switch prior to the next boot and HDD (b) with XP goes into operation and HDD (a) stays bye byes. I know about the dual boot option but has anybody done this type of thing and are there any connections available and/or necessary to do it?
Are there other possible roadblocks? Or am I dreaming?

SCANNERMAN777 · 17 May 2017

Is this what you're looking for, by any chance?

https://www.amazon.ca/Kingwin-Switch...N+DRIVE+SWITCH

iko22 · 17 May 2017

1 Potential problem with this is that even an inactive hdd will still conduct heat while connected inside a computer via hdd POWER SWITCH.

2 Should this be a problem, then consider TRAYLESS "MOBILE" hdd RACK. This does the same thing as the POWER SWITCH,
plus you can load or eject the hdd to remove inactive hdd away from the heat.

3 You aer going to need two boot managers for the OSes to load. And I doubt you'd find compatible drivers to run old XP on new 64-bit h/w.

Problem is if you'll forget to set the power switches right, and the loaded OS "sees" both disks, then it will try to Plug and Play install new drivers for the "inactive" hdd.

4 Best solution is to create two logical partitions on one hdd. Then you'd keep a boot file for each OS and use boot manager to select the right file path, from the command prompt.
That way, the physical switch between disks is gone.

5 Have you seen the Lian Li DK-02X Desk case? Comes at a hefty price tag, but it would allow 64-bit and 32-bit computers systems to run under the same bonnet.

HAVOC · 17 May 2017

Can you just press F12 as your computer is booting up and select which HDD you want to boot to?

This is from your motherboard manual (if your system specs are correct).

Megahertz07 · 17 May 2017

The hardware solution as a switch on post 2 or the software solution on post 4 will work.
The major problem is to find drivers of your hardware that works on the XP.
I never done, but you can install XP on a virtual machine.

HAVOC · 17 May 2017

Or XP mode (probably not want the poster is looking for though).

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/down...aspx%3Fid=8002

Megahertz07 · 17 May 2017

Havoc, it seems it requires Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, or Windows 7 Enterprise.

Can it run on Home or Home Premium?

Wandering one · 17 May 2017

To the O/P. XP mode needs Pro or above, and if you use for older games will be really PO'd. With your 16 gig memory free version of V-BOX should run XP very well. I am running on eight and no problems.
Art.

SCANNERMAN777 · 17 May 2017

iko22 said:

1 Potential problem with this is that even an inactive hdd will still conduct heat while connected inside a computer via hdd POWER SWITCH.

2 Should this be a problem, then consider TRAYLESS "MOBILE" hdd RACK. This does the same thing as the POWER SWITCH,
plus you can load or eject the hdd to remove inactive hdd away from the heat.

3 You aer going to need two boot managers for the OSes to load. And I doubt you'd find compatible drivers to run old XP on new 64-bit h/w.

Problem is if you'll forget to set the power switches right, and the loaded OS "sees" both disks, then it will try to Plug and Play install new drivers for the "inactive" hdd.

4 Best solution is to create two logical partitions on one hdd. Then you'd keep a boot file for each OS and use boot manager to select the right file path, from the command prompt.
That way, the physical switch between disks is gone.

5 Have you seen the Lian Li DK-02X Desk case? Comes at a hefty price tag, but it would allow 64-bit and 32-bit computers systems to run under the same bonnet.

You know, that really is a sweet looking rig and given the price I daresay it's certainly reasonable compared to many of the other units in this genre I've looked at. Plus there's the Lian Li quality assurance to consider. Guess I'm going to have to start saving my pennies.

iko22 · 18 May 2017

I'd choose the virtual machine or the desk case as the proper way to proceed - if this were me, like; I don't want to give myself nightmares bearing in mind that some of this advice is really applicable for axillary hdd's.

virtual machine -- I'd use a Linux or a Windows 7, 8, 10 computer to run selectable Windows 7 or Windows XP partitions.
Or, desk case -- I'd have this desk case to implement all the switches for two computer motherboards.