Windows Vista and Seven dual boot...... programs?

[tommytaro]

Okay so I set up a new partition on my hard drive to boot Windows 7 from, so that I could have both Vista and Win7 on my laptop. However, is there a way that Windows 7 can use all of the programs and files I already have in my Vista partition? I can manually go over and start them..... but they aren't on my "Programs" list in Windows 7 or the start menu or anything... is there any way to automatically integrate all my files/programs with both my operating systems? I don't think I should have to download two instances of google chrome or firefox....... you know? Any insight would be appreciated.... I am new to dual booting. This is is the first OS i have ever installed myself.

 

[mickey megabyte]

hi tommy, welcome to the forums!

i'm afraid you will have to install your software onto your new windows 7 partition.

you can still access your files; but, to use your programs on your new OS, you've got to install them...

 

[iseeuu]

I have done it in the past, but not with Vista or 7. I believe the same issue would apply though.

Normally in a dual boot environment, you would want duplicate programs as most often the OS are not compatible, for example with windows and linux. However Vista and 7 are built on the same foundation and so I think this is how to create what you describe.

The issue is not where you have installed the programs but that the OS does not have the appropriate registry files from the install. In the past I have created a third partition (called "Data"). After installing OS "one" in its own partition, I installed all of my programs but into the Data partition. Then after installing OS "two", also in its own partition, I reinstall all of my programs again to the Data partition. Now both OS have all the necessary reg files to run the progs.

You open a basketfull of unknowns here like what happens when you make changes to your data from one OS and then open it with the other OS. So if you are going to experiment with this be prepared to loose everything. Make good backups etc.

I think you could test this theory buy selecting a program (something less important) you have installed on Vista. Reinstall the program with 7 but change the install directory to the partition with Vista. You should be able to run the program in 7. Then boot to Vista and check out whether it is still working there.

The Data partition's value is here apparent. What happens to all your programs if you choose to get rid of Vista at some point? Better to have them separated (like into a third partition) so you don't loose them.

Experiment: "Where no one has gone before"

 

[Antman]

There is no viable workaround. Mickey's advice will guarantee that you don't get a megabyte in the *ss or otherwise waste your time. One OS cannot call another OS across partitions to execute an application.*

*This is not completely true. The time on task required to accomplish this feat, however, exponentially exceeds the time required to install any group of applications.

 

[AdilAA]

some programs you coulda used by setting its compatibility mode to XP