Dual Boot Windows 7 using Upgrade CD

[smengler]

Hi, I'm currently running Vista and want to upgrade to Win 7. I want to do a clean install (or whatever it's called) and dual boot Vista and Win 7. I want to do this because I want to install Win 7 and wait until I know that I've gotten all the right applications and files off of Vista before I uninstall Vista. I have Win 7 Home Premium Upgrade. I've made an empty partition already. Can I just run the Win 7 CD and choose custom install to install it on the new partition while leaving Vista intact? Would I lose all my files and programs on Vista? What's the best way to do this?

Thanks for your help!

Edit:

I've read http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html, but it still doesn't answer my question about the dual boot.

 

[SIW2]

Just clean install onto the new partition by booting the 7 dvd.

It won't damage anything on your Vista partition.

 

[smengler]

So will I be able to run both Vista and Win 7? I just want to make sure because I don't want to lose any of my files. Dropbox can't help me in this situation

 

[SIW2]

Yes.

Always a good idea to make a back up image in case you make a mistake, or even if you don't. Having a backup image always is the best thing anyone can do.

There are plenty of free apps. you can use for that.

This is small and fast and free

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

If you don't have an external drive to store the backup image - you could use another partition.