How set up multi- boot system

[Nisko]

I am using Windows 7 SP-1 and have 581GB free space on my 1TB SSD. I would like to set up a clean Window 7 partition for experimenting, a partition for experimenting with Windows 10 and a partition in which I will install my current software into Windows 7. Can't find a tutorial to set up a multi boot system. Could someone please point me in the right direction? Also, how much space should I allocate for the experimental partitions (I only plan to install one or two programs at a time in these partitions). Thank you.........

 

[DavidE]

Are you aware that if you multi-boot with 2 Win 7 OS's and 1 Win 10 OS you will need 3 Windows licenses ?

See if these tutorials help (the Vista/7 tutorial instructions should be similar to 7/7):
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5166-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-vista.html
Windows 10 - Dual Boot with Windows 7 or Windows 8 - Windows 10 Forums

Post a maximized screen print of Disk Management before making changes.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/274797-disk-management-post-screen-capture-image.html

Also make sure everything is backed up before starting.
For System Image backups i use Macrium Reflect free.

 

[Nisko]

Multi-Boot

David, thank you for the reply. As for the licenses, I own Windows 7 (have a license). If I set up another partition on the same computer with Windows 7, I don't believe I need another license. Windows 10 is free if you own Windows 7 - and I do. So I don't believe there is any cost to do what I propose. Please reply.....

 

[DavidE]

My understanding is 1 Win 7 License only allows for 1 installed Win 7 OS.
If you dual-boot Win 7, each OS needs a separate license.

Yes, you can use the free upgrade offer from Win 7 to Win 10.
But, you can not legally dual-boot W7 and W10 with that same license.
It's a free OS upgrade offer, not a free OS license offer.

You may be able to install as you want to, but if and when MS detects what you are doing they could blacklist/block your license (for all OS's).

I'm not a licensing/legal expert, so maybe you should ask the licensing questions in this sub-forum for better help:
Windows Updates & Activation

 

[AddRAM]

You need a separate license for each install, you can not use 1 key to activate 2 separate installs.

I would just divide the 581 GB of space you have into 3 equal partitions.

You can have a max of only 4 Primary partitions with windows. I would create and use a Partition Wizard Boot cd, to manage your partitions, it much safer to work with partitions outside of windows.

Bootable Partition Manager| MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable Edition