Dual Boot as transition to Windows 7 Pro 64

[ghm46]

I am running XP Pro 32 bit on a two drive system and want to install Windows 7 Pro on the second. I have partitioned both drives to use partitions for logical drive storage. I do not need to see either operating system partitions from the other. What is the best way to install Windows 7 without potential problems and with anticipation of eventual complete transition Windows7?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello ghm46, welcome to Seven Forums!





First of all, Windows will only boot independently from "Primary" partitions, it will not boot from a "Logical" partition.



If you want to use the BIOS boot menu to boot both OSs/HDDs independently of each other, only leave the HDD that you want to install Windows 7 to connected at the motherboard; disconnect the other, install Windows 7 and then connect the other HDD back up.

 

[ghm46]

Thank you and sorry. I mean each drive is partitioned with one with logical partition on each. One drive has XP on a primary partition and the other drive has an unallocated primary partition waiting for a Windows 7 install. Does this change things? Should I move the logical partition or files on the drive intended for Windows7? And will the boot on both drives see the logical partition on the other drive?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello again.





Let's clarify.



You want to have XP booting independently on one Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and you would like to have Windows 7 booting separately on a second HDD, is this correct.

 

[ghm46]

Thank you. Yes, with question about the effect on the logical partitions on both drives.

 

[gregrocker]

The logical partitions which you created for data will have no effect as long as you make sure to install Win7 to a Primary partition, ideally the first partition on the HD.

Unplug the XP HD, set Win7 HD as first HD to boot in BIOS setup (after DVD drive), then install Win7. After install, plug XP HD back in and boot it by tapping BIOS Boot Menu key during bootup, which according to your mobo manual is F12: http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Manual/motherboard_manual_ga-ma78g-ds3hp_2.0_e.pdf

 

[ghm46]

Thank you. Will do and report result.