Dual boot

[Boceefus]

I have 2 hard drives with Windows 7 already installed on the main drive. I have a partition setup on the second drive for Windows XP. Can I just unplug the 7 drive and install XP on the other drive? Then plug the 7 drive back in to create dual boot? I'm a noob and thought I would give it a try. Thank you in advance for any help. :huh:

 

[HonorGamer]

All you should have to do is install XP on the second hard drive, and after you start up the computer you will have a option to run 7 or XP

 

[Boceefus]

Thank you for your reply. I tried that once and was given the option at boot up but if I chose 7 the computer would lock up.

 

[gregrocker]

You are correct to unplug the Win7 HD during install of XP to another HD. This keeps the OS's independent to come and go as you please.

When you plug back in Win7, set the preferred HD to boot first in BIOS setup. Then boot the other HD using the one-time BIOS Boot menu key given on first boot screen.

 

[Boceefus]

The Windows 7 disk is the unplugged disk. Just want to clarify the 7 disk is what I will be plugging in. Thank you for your help.

 

[theog]

I have 2 hard drives with Windows 7 already installed on the main drive. I have a partition setup on the second drive for Windows XP. Can I just unplug the 7 drive and install XP on the other drive? Then plug the 7 drive back in to create dual boot? I'm a noob and thought I would give it a try. Thank you in advance for any help. :huh:

Hd 2, how many partitions are set up?
Best to install XP to partition 1.

Can you post a screen shot Disk management?
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-how-post-screenshot-seven-forums.html

Screenshot tools.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9717-screenshot-paint.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/51160-screenshot-upload-using-mwsnap.html
fscapture free download

 

[Boceefus]

XP Pro (H) on disk 1 is where I will install XP. Hope this helps. Thank you for your help.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Boceefus.



The really wise thing to do first would be to convert the "Disk 1" from a Dynamic disk to a Basic before you install XP so you don't run into serious issues along the way.


Download the zip then extract and then install Partition Wizard 4.2 from this link below to do so, and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

partition wizard 4.2 free.zip - Windows Live

 

[theog]

or

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/26829-convert-dynamic-disk-basic-disk.html

 

[Boceefus]

I installed XP then plugged the Windows 7 disk back in. There is no OS option screen. It just boots to Windows 7. What did I miss?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello again.



Please post another/new snip of disk management for us to see.

 

[gregrocker]

I installed XP then plugged the Windows 7 disk back in. There is no OS option screen. It just boots to Windows 7. What did I miss?

As stated earlier, when booting via BIOS you need to set the preferred HD to boot first in BIOS setup.

Then when you want to boot the other one, you tap the key given on first boot screen for BIOS Boot Menu to choose it.

If you need help finding the BIOS Boot menu key, look in your Manual on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or mobo, or let us know and we'll find it for you.

 

[Boceefus]

Dual Boot

Here's the screen shot. I can get to the bios but I'm hoping to get the option for an OS rather than go to bios every time. Thank you all again for your help.

 

[gregrocker]

I thought you unplugged the other HD during install so you could use the cleanest method to Dual Boot, which is booting via the BIOS.

You don't have to go back to the BIOS setup every time to boot. Win7 will start up by default. If you want XP you simply tap the one-time BIOS Boot menu key to trigger it's HD.

If you want a Windows-managed Dual Boot, install EasyBCD 2.0 to Win7 to Add XP, accept boot files, autocompletes, Save, restart.

 

[Boceefus]

Mission accomplished. I used EasyBCD and good to go. Thank you all for your time and expertise. Have a great weekend.

 

[gregrocker]

No prob.

Did you know your screenshot reveals Win7 graphics are rendering in Win2000 mode?

To engage aero graphics, rightclick Desktop>Personalize, choose an aero theme, set up a Desktop Background slideshow using some of the spectacular choices. If you don't get the transparent frames, type aero in start search box to run aero troubleshooter.