dual boot -is this possible?

[frankluke]

I have an image of my W7 x64 partition. Can I wipe HD-install xp pro x32 first on one partition then restore W7 x64 using the image I have to the second partition.? This is the same Hard drive , just partitioned in 1/2.
Thanks

 

[tulsajrob]

You would be much better off installing XP on a second hard drive. It is also best if you remove the win7 drive while you make the install. This way, each OS will have its own MBR, and you can just use your BIOS boot options to toggle between them. As far as installing x64 win7 and x32 XP, remember that win7 uses a secondary partition like the swap partition in Linux, it may overwrite part of your XP install when you restore the image.

 

[frankluke]

OK-I was looking for the easy way out-I had a problem trying to install XP w/W7 already installed. I "could not" reassign the drive letter of either OS. So the xp OS was "I" or H", etc. I tried and tried. Followed every tutorial known to man. Many of the XP programs I have rely on "C" as the root. So.............
Would EasyBCD172 be able to create the Boot option screen if I did install xp on a seperate drive? I guess that's what I need to know. I use to know all this stuff, in my younger MS days
I really do not want to start all over but I may have no choice I guess.
I have 2 good images of my W7x64, one w/o any progs and one with all my audio apps and drivers.

 

[gregrocker]

What did you create image with? If it will allow you to choose partiton to reimage, then sure you can install XP first to secure C: partition for XP, then reimage to unallocated space using backup image.

If there is any problem with image drive letter, use Paragon Adaptive Restore to correct it.

 

[frankluke]

I used Acronis Disk Image 2010.
Thanks

 

[gregrocker]

As far as I know, Acronis will let you choose where to reimage using the booted Recov disk. So you can install XP first and then leave half of the HD unallocated to apply the image.

There are problems sometimes with reimaging and activation due to drive letter mounting. If you have a Non-Geniune lockout after reimage the only known fix is Paragon Adaptive Restore , unless you are running as Admin in restored OS and can trigger DVD Setup using Task Manager to do a Repair Install (Upgrade over itself which sorts activation) or slmgr commands to reactivate.

This isn't a reason not to try it, just be prepared. With any luck, it will all go fine.

 

[frankluke]

Greg
My audio apps always looked for C. But they are on the Win7 partition now. How important is it for the XP partition to have C as a drive letter. Does it really matter with reguklar programs like quickbooks and Openpffice?

 

[gregrocker]

Not that I know of. I think this is an old issue since software makers allow you to redirect install.

The convenience of having XP on second partition for later deletion also isn't that important though with drive imaging. It is pretty much up to you.

 

[frankluke]

OK Thanks for your your help. I installed XP pro and it now resides on drive "I" Seems to be fine. I have used the reghack to hide Win7 from XP for system restore options.