I need to dual boot windows 7 with vista

[computergeekguy]

I got an issue were i have to install windows 7.

Currently i have an Dell inspiron 1721 laptop with windows vista.

Problem is there is a lot of data on my machine and i dont want to format and fresh install i would like to dual boot is there a way to do this?


How would you guys suggest i do this without messing up my windows vista

What programs do i need what steps do i need to take.

I need step by step instruction due to i have never done this before thanks

Specs are :

amd athlon 64 dual core 1.9 ghz

3 gig ram

220gig drive with 118 free on hard drive

Win vista 32 bit.


Can i put windows 7 64 or do i need win 7 32 my cpu is 64 bit i believe.


Thank you for all of your help and suggestions

Edit: ps the dvd player dosen,t work but i have a usb external one will this cause any trouble?

 

[gregrocker]

Follow these illustrated steps to shrink C in Disk Management, boot Win7 installer to install there, which will configure a Dual Boot menu. Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and Vista

I'd first run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to get a heads-up on any issues ahead. With 3gb RAM I would run 32 bit for best performance - 4gb is my cut off.

The drivers are in the installer or quickly updated via optional Windows Updates - put your wireless/ethernet driver on a stick just in case so you can get online to Update. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Dell Support downloads webpage for your computer model. Or from Device Manager>Device>Update Driver>Browse to the Vista partition's Windows/System 32 folder which will pick up a missing driver.

Next, I'd simply link the Vista User folders to their related Windows 7 library using this method: Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. When you open any library - Docs, Pics, Music, Video, etc. - the files will be there just like if they were on the same partition, but you save space by accessing them on the Vista HD.

If you want us to take a quick look at your configuration to make sure there are no possible pitfalls, then post back a screenshot of your maximized Disk Mgmt drive map with listings: Screen Shots
Screenshot with Paint