Multiple install of Win 7, one disk?

[starbase1]

This is an odd one...

I am becoming convinced that I have ended up with a corrupt W7 64 bit install. I've had hardware failures that have messed things up, and get a lot of odd errors. The safest thing to do seems to be to start again

Now, what I would really like to do is add a second install of W7, beside the first one, as a dual boot option. That way I can get at the previous install, in between reinstalling all my software on the new W7.

So...

Is this possible?
And perhaps more importantly, is it a sensible thing to do?

I have the professional version of Windows 7, 64 Bit.
Nick

 

[DavidE]

If you have hardware failures those need to be fixed first, or a new install may have the same problems.

Yes, you can create a new partition on the HD where Win 7 is installed and install another Win 7 there, or install Win 7 on a different HD.
Either approach can give you a dual boot with 2 Win 7 OS's.

This tutorial is for dual booting Vista and Win 7, but the same approach works for dual booting 2 Win 7 installs.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5166-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-vista.html

Also see the Related Tutorials links in this tutorial for other links that might help.

fyi
Using the same license for dual booting is not "legal", you should only use 2 OS's with the same license temporarily to get things "transferred" to the new install.
If you keep using the 2 OS's indefinitely, your license may get blacklisted.

 

[AddRAM]

I also highly suggest getting another drive, and do a clean install on the new drive. Unplugging the other drive of course, then set the new drive as default and use the boot menu to boot into the other drive when you want to. That way you can just pull the other drive and chuck it in the thrash or use it for data if there`s nothing wrong with it.

I recommend getting a solid state drive instead of a mechanical drive.

SSD 850 EVO 2.5" SATA III 250GB | Samsung Solid State Drives

 

[starbase1]

Thanks for the help!

The hardware has arrived, I'll give it a go at the weekend when I have more time.