[URGENT] Windows 7 + Windows 8.1 Dual boot

[ik0uuu]

I currently have UEFI Windows 8.1 installed on a 1TB drive, formatted in GPT. This has created an issue when trying to install W7 - it doesn't play nice with UEFI...

UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows

I've followed this tutorial in order to create the USB drive with Rufus (UEFI Bootable).

Can I simply shrink the partition my W8 is installed on by say, 200GB, and then select the unallocated space in the W7 installer to install it in UEFI mode? (Have to install with UEFI due to GPT drive). Or can I not dual boot them both in UEFI mode? Will selecting the unallocated space and installing W7 in UEFI ruin my W8 installation?

Before you suggest I simply delete all the partitions on the drive and start from scratch - this is NOT an option.

 

[DavidE]

Before you suggest I simply delete all the partitions on the drive and start from scratch - this is NOT an option.

Can you add another blank drive for Win 7 ?
See this tutorial:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[Osprey]

Can I simply shrink the partition my W8 is installed on by say, 200GB, and then select the unallocated space in the W7 installer to install it in UEFI mode?

Yes.

Will selecting the unallocated space and installing W7 in UEFI ruin my W8 installation?

No.

Note: Windows 7 is not compatible with Secure Boot and you can't boot from a Windows 7 DVD/USB if Secure Boot is enabled in UEFI settings.