32bit & 64bit OS Help

[SupermaNn]

I got a new laptop and its 64 bit, i was wondering is it possible to install both a 32bit XP/Vista/7 partition with a 64bit 7 partition as well? I know i have to install the older os first after wiping the drive if i choose xp or vista. Never had a 64bit computer before and i knew i couldn't use 64 bit on my old 32 bit laptop so i am wondering if i can do that now? Thanks

 

[gregrocker]

i was wondering is it possible to install both a 32bit XP/Vista/7 partition with a 64bit 7 partition as well?

You ask if you can install "both" but then list four OS's. Which do you want to install, and why?

You don't have to install them in order of age if you already have Win7. You can shrink it's partition and add new partitions for the other OS's following these tutorials:
Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and Vista
Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

I would seriously consider virtualizing XP using Virtual Player, Virtual Box or VMWare freeware. You'll have a lot of problems adding an XP installation although we can help you work through them - starting with repairing Win7 to start it up after XP install so you can add XP using EasyBCD.

 

[SupermaNn]

the os i have installed now is 7 64bit. I have older os discs from my old computers, xp media center edition 32bit, vista home basic 32bit, 7 home basic 32 bit, and 7 home premium 64 bit. I want to dualboot with a 32 bit version because i have hardware that only has 32 bit drivers. If i install an older OS i will have to wipe the drive completely first, but will i have to do that if i install 7 home basic 32bit? or can i not dualboot 2 of the same os's.

 

[gregrocker]

I just told you that you do not need to wipe the HD completely to add other OS's.

Most 32 bit programs will install in 64 bit but to the 32 bit Programs folder. I would try that first.

If you have a Win7 basic license then you can shrink your new 64 bit Win7 in Disk Management, boot the Win7 basic installer to install to the second partition which will auto-configure the Dual Boot during install.
Partition or Volume - Shrink
Clean Install Windows 7

 

[SupermaNn]

I've tried to install it on 64 bit, it doesnt have 64 bit drivers only 32. Can i dualboot windows 7 home premium 64 bit and windows 7 home basic?

 

[gregrocker]

Yes. I just told you how to do it.

 

[AddRAM]

I got a new laptop and its 64 bit, i was wondering is it possible to install both a 32bit XP/Vista/7 partition with a 64bit 7 partition as well? I know i have to install the older os first after wiping the drive if i choose xp or vista. Never had a 64bit computer before and i knew i couldn't use 64 bit on my old 32 bit laptop so i am wondering if i can do that now? Thanks

Yes you can.