Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP


  1. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2100

    Since you are just testing Windows 7, I'd just plug in any hard you have on hand to use. No need to purchase one until you are ready to do so unless you catch a good sale.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 48
    Windows XP SP3
       #2101

    Brink said:
    Since you are just testing Windows 7, I'd just plug in any hard you have on hand to use. No need to purchase one until you are ready to do so unless you catch a good sale.
    Thanks again for your reply.

    The only other disks I have are all ready for the trash apart from one relatively new 1TB disk which I use as 2nd HDD adapter. I guess I could use it but Kind f reluctant.

    I am thinking to just throw caution to the wind, buy a solid drive and install Windows 7.

    My main concern is that in XP I was able to and therefore knew how to get rid of all the eye candy and the OS for performance. I even have a couple of Hardware profiles which based on Black Viper's service configuration guides I have to start with as few services as I need.

    If you know Windows 7 perhaps you could save me the trouble of a test install and confirm whether ultimately the same can be done for Windows 7.

    My ocal computer shop also has this 120GB Intel solid state drive for only $74 which is about half what I had expected to pay so I about ready to just go with it. But I know nothing about what to look for in a SSD in terms of speed. Do you?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2102

    That's not a bad SSD at all for the price.

    Here's a tutorial to help with optimizing Windows 7. :)

    Optimize Windows 7
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 48
    Windows XP SP3
       #2103

    Brink said:
    That's not a bad SSD at all for the price.
    Thanks I'll go with that then

    Brink said:
    Here's a tutorial to help with optimizing Windows 7. :)

    Optimize Windows 7
    Probably just what I need. Thanks
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2104

    You're most welcome. Please let us know how it went.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 48
    Windows XP SP3
       #2105

    Brink said:
    You're most welcome. Please let us know how it went.
    I don't expect you will actually be able to comment or make any suggestions but here goes anyway.

    I have a 120GB solid state drive and am looking forward to installing and trying Windows 7. One thing however. The Windows 7 discs I have are is an Lenovo OEM Upgrade disc, marked "For Distribution only to End Users who purchased a qualified Lenovo system with Windows Vista".


    This ThinkPad did come with Vista and has a product key but I installed a retail copy of XP and no longer have the HDD with the Vista Recovery partition.

    Do you have any idea if I do a clean install of Windows 7 how I will be able to activate it? The Vista key isn't likely to work is it? I suppose last resort I will have to call Microsoft or Lenovo.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2106

    Hello Dav,

    Since this is an upgrade copy of Windows 7 you may have to use the method in the tutorial below to install Windows 7, but you should also follow the guidelines in the tutorial here on the first page while doing so to dual boot with XP.

    Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 48
    Windows XP SP3
       #2107

    Brink said:
    Hello Dav,

    Since this is an upgrade copy of Windows 7 you may have to use the method in the tutorial below to install Windows 7, but you should also follow the guidelines in the tutorial here on the first page while doing so to dual boot with XP.

    Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
    Thanks again. I haven't read the link yet as I just got up and read your post.

    I just hope I don't have to install Vista first. Well I won't be able to because I don't have any media for VISTA.

    I also actually found that the disk with an XP partition which I am using at the moment which I hought only had 45GB capacity is actually 500GB. I just hadn't initiated another partition.

    I always have the OS on a relatively small partition and leave the lion share for a 'separate 'data drive. In this case I had just never got around to it and forgotten the space was there until I checked the disks out under Manage My Computer. Disk Management.

    So I am going to try a Windows 7 install onto a new partition before I do it for real onto the solid state drive..
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2108

    You shouldn't need to. That tutorial will show you how to do a direct clean install with an upgrade Windows 7. :)
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 48
    Windows XP SP3
       #2109

    Brink said:
    You shouldn't need to. That tutorial will show you how to do a direct clean install with an upgrade Windows 7. :)
    Oh great, thanks. what a relief.

    should have read the tutorial first sorry

    I'll give it a go after breakfast.
      My Computer


 

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