Can a dual boot be created for 2 installs of Win7??? Experts only...

Darryl Licht

Darryl Licht

New member
Guru
VIP
Local time
3:15 PM
Messages
1,934
Location
So Cal (I.E.)
I have a client that wants to setup an office laptop that will also be used in the field. Due to confidentiality reasons I cannot get into specifics, but when in the office the machine needs a specific network setup (Machine name/workgroup/etc) and specific software installed... when functioning in the field this laptop needs an entirely different setup for the network and different software installed.

Is there anyway I can dual boot between 2 unique seperate installs and setups of Win7? I have never tried this... what do you all think?

I know I could do this with XP and 7... but we just started phasing out all XP machines.

Your thoughts and suggestions will be appreciated!
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signa...Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - O...4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ ReaperNvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Homebrew PC - "Alpha_Dawg"
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signature Edition
CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - OC'd to 3.6GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte EP45-UD3P
Memory
4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ Reaper
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Asus Xonar DX
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster 2333HD
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
WD Caviar Black 750GB - 7200RPM - 32MB cache
WD Caviar Green 1.5TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
WD Caviar Green 2.0TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
PSU
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750
Case
Gigabyte 3D Aurora
Cooling
Case is Air - 5ea. 120mm fans (mix of Arctic and Xigmatec)
Keyboard
MS Natural Wireless KB
Mouse
MS Wireless Mouse
Internet Speed
50 mbps down/5 mbps up
Other Info
AVerMedia - AVerTVHD G2 Dual Tuner Card
You can easy install a second windows 7 on a free partition. The dual boot will be created automatically during install. Later rename boot menu entries say "office" and "field".

You can later even hide one of the boot entries (the confidential) and create a keyboard shortcut for loading the "hidden" office installation so even if computer gets in foreign hands it would be hard to get into the confidential installation.

See this - Custom Bootstrap Actions - create shortcut to loaders.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win 8 RP, Win 7, XPIntel
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Acer Notebook
OS
Win 8 RP, Win 7, XP
CPU
Intel
Are you the developer of this? I saw your name in the URL...
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signa...Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - O...4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ ReaperNvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Homebrew PC - "Alpha_Dawg"
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signature Edition
CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - OC'd to 3.6GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte EP45-UD3P
Memory
4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ Reaper
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Asus Xonar DX
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster 2333HD
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
WD Caviar Black 750GB - 7200RPM - 32MB cache
WD Caviar Green 1.5TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
WD Caviar Green 2.0TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
PSU
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750
Case
Gigabyte 3D Aurora
Cooling
Case is Air - 5ea. 120mm fans (mix of Arctic and Xigmatec)
Keyboard
MS Natural Wireless KB
Mouse
MS Wireless Mouse
Internet Speed
50 mbps down/5 mbps up
Other Info
AVerMedia - AVerTVHD G2 Dual Tuner Card
I am.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win 8 RP, Win 7, XPIntel
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Acer Notebook
OS
Win 8 RP, Win 7, XP
CPU
Intel
Thanks for the sw tip... I will dl and run on a test system.

Anyone else have experience with this?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signa...Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - O...4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ ReaperNvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Homebrew PC - "Alpha_Dawg"
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signature Edition
CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - OC'd to 3.6GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte EP45-UD3P
Memory
4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ Reaper
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Asus Xonar DX
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster 2333HD
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
WD Caviar Black 750GB - 7200RPM - 32MB cache
WD Caviar Green 1.5TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
WD Caviar Green 2.0TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
PSU
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750
Case
Gigabyte 3D Aurora
Cooling
Case is Air - 5ea. 120mm fans (mix of Arctic and Xigmatec)
Keyboard
MS Natural Wireless KB
Mouse
MS Wireless Mouse
Internet Speed
50 mbps down/5 mbps up
Other Info
AVerMedia - AVerTVHD G2 Dual Tuner Card
Not with the shortcut/hidden aspects but multiple boots of win7 is quite possible

this is one of my systems from early 2009 in deep beta mode ;)

partitions.JPG
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Releas...Ryzen 9 5950X, 3.8 - 5.2 MHz64GB [2 x 32GB] DDR4 3200MHz4GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1650 Ti
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
    ChillBlast - Custom to my design
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5950X, 3.8 - 5.2 MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime X570-Pro
    Memory
    64GB [2 x 32GB] DDR4 3200MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    4GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1650 Ti
    Sound Card
    On-board SPDIF to 5.1 System + HDMI [5.1 system]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" UHD 32 Bit HDR Monitor + 43" UHD 4K 32Bit HDR TV
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 3840 x 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1TB M2 SSD OS, 500GB Fast Access SSD, 2 x 8TB Data + Various Externals from 1TB to 4TB, 10TB NAS
    PSU
    NZXT C750 80 PLUS Gold 750W Modular PSU
    Case
    Workstation Case [Matt Black]
    Cooling
    NZXT Kraken X63 280mm CPU Cooler +2x Quiet Case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless MX Keys & K400 + others
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    920 MB Down 50 MB Up
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security Pro
    Browser
    Chrome (always run latest Non-Beta)
    Other Info
    Also run ...
    Laptop - Quad 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64
    Nexus 7 Android tablet x2
    Samsung 10.2" tablet
    Blackview TAB 8 4G Android Tablet c/w Keyboard
    Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Intuos Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom Expresskeys Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro x64 Latest RPIntel I7 10750H 5.0GHz32GB [2x16GB] DDR4 2933 MHznVidia GTX1650Ti 4 GB GDDR6
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model Number
    Dell XPS 17 10750H
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Latest RP
    CPU
    Intel I7 10750H 5.0GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell XPS
    Memory
    32GB [2x16GB] DDR4 2933 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX1650Ti 4 GB GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Stock [Realtek] 4 Speaker
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" IPS UHD+ Infinity Edge Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400
    Hard Drives
    2TB M2 NVMe, 4TB External + various 500GB & 1TB External NVMe (also have access to spinner HDD from
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Stock XPS Aluminium & Carbon Fibre
    Cooling
    Stock - Active Fan Control
    Keyboard
    Backlit + Various Logitech
    Mouse
    Stock Track Pad + Logitech MX Trackball
    Internet Speed
    72 MB Down 18MB Up
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    Also run ...
    Laptop - Quad 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64
    Nexus 7 Android tablet x2
    10.2" tablet
    Sony Z3 Android Smartphone
    Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Intuos Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom Expresskeys Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control Pad
    10TB NAS
Thanks Barman!

Thinking outload... chime in anytime... This will be a new Dell lappy... I can use the Dell install disk for both installs cant I? I really dont want to purchase a 2nd copy of Win7 just for this purpose.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signa...Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - O...4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ ReaperNvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Homebrew PC - "Alpha_Dawg"
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signature Edition
CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - OC'd to 3.6GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte EP45-UD3P
Memory
4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ Reaper
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Asus Xonar DX
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster 2333HD
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
WD Caviar Black 750GB - 7200RPM - 32MB cache
WD Caviar Green 1.5TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
WD Caviar Green 2.0TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
PSU
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750
Case
Gigabyte 3D Aurora
Cooling
Case is Air - 5ea. 120mm fans (mix of Arctic and Xigmatec)
Keyboard
MS Natural Wireless KB
Mouse
MS Wireless Mouse
Internet Speed
50 mbps down/5 mbps up
Other Info
AVerMedia - AVerTVHD G2 Dual Tuner Card
Thanks Gregrocker!

I just wasnt sure if I would have any unique situations dual booting Win7 with Win7.... and since the users arent the smartest in the world a vm is OUT!
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signa...Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - O...4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ ReaperNvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Homebrew PC - "Alpha_Dawg"
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signature Edition
CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - OC'd to 3.6GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte EP45-UD3P
Memory
4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ Reaper
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Asus Xonar DX
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster 2333HD
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
WD Caviar Black 750GB - 7200RPM - 32MB cache
WD Caviar Green 1.5TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
WD Caviar Green 2.0TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
PSU
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750
Case
Gigabyte 3D Aurora
Cooling
Case is Air - 5ea. 120mm fans (mix of Arctic and Xigmatec)
Keyboard
MS Natural Wireless KB
Mouse
MS Wireless Mouse
Internet Speed
50 mbps down/5 mbps up
Other Info
AVerMedia - AVerTVHD G2 Dual Tuner Card
Under the EULA it requires a second license, even though on the same hardware activation might think both installs are the same one.
 
gregrocker said:
It requires a second license even though on the same hardware activation might think both installs are the same one.
Click to expand...

I am going to have to try it with same copy first and see what happens!
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signa...Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - O...4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ ReaperNvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Homebrew PC - "Alpha_Dawg"
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signature Edition
CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad - Q9550 - 2.83GHz stock - OC'd to 3.6GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte EP45-UD3P
Memory
4GB DDR2 800MHz (PC6400) OCZ Reaper
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GE Force 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Asus Xonar DX
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster 2333HD
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
WD Caviar Black 750GB - 7200RPM - 32MB cache
WD Caviar Green 1.5TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
WD Caviar Green 2.0TB - 5400RPM - 64MB cache
PSU
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750
Case
Gigabyte 3D Aurora
Cooling
Case is Air - 5ea. 120mm fans (mix of Arctic and Xigmatec)
Keyboard
MS Natural Wireless KB
Mouse
MS Wireless Mouse
Internet Speed
50 mbps down/5 mbps up
Other Info
AVerMedia - AVerTVHD G2 Dual Tuner Card
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top