Dual-Boot XP and Win 7 - First Time

[tomhanser]

I have to ask this before I procede...

To install and dual-boot two Windows operating systems - must they both be on a primary drive, with more than one partition?

Can I install and load Windows XP on a second physical drive, set to "slave?"

Right now I have Windows 7 installed on my primary or startup drive. It only has one partition at this time and I'd rather not change this.

I need to install Windows XP to run earlier versions of IE 7 for web testing purposes.

Yes, a second box with Windows XP installed would be the best route to take, but Windows 7 is installed on both of my boxes at home.

Thanks!

 

[Edgy]

I have to ask this before I procede...
Can I install and load Windows XP on a second physical drive, set to "slave?"

Yes.

I need to install Windows XP to run earlier versions of IE 7 for web testing purposes.

If this is the only reason, then why not use VM instead?

 

[tomhanser]

I've been reading about VM, but was hesitant.

What can you tell me about VM and can you direct me to some installation/configuration information?

Thanks!

 

[Maverick2002]

Depending on what kind of web testing he's doing, VM may not be a good way to go. Not only does it have its own processing overhead, but certain features are absent (such as 3ds acceleration). This is true for both VMWare and XP Mode in 7 IIRC.

 

[tomhanser]

I guess I'll stick to using compatibility mode in IE 8 to test web pages.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Edgy]

*Shrug*
Always been a Dual/Multi boot guy...
Then tried VMWare Workstation (free 30 day trial FYI then bought a license) just to check out what all the fuss was about virtual machines and the result is that ALL my reason to dual-boot/multi-boot are resolved by VM.

I don't game so 3d acceleration is not an issue but other than that, I've never encountered anything I couldn't do on VM that I really needed or wanted to try.

Initial install & usage is very straight-forward and I learned as I used so I suggest at least try the trial version out to see if it fits your needs. And there are free VM software out there as well but I've never tried those.

 

[MrPickins]

Keep in mind that if you install xp after Win7, the xp bootloader (which will overwrite the existing one) will not boot Win7.

You will need to boot from the Win7 disc and repair it.


Here is a good guide I just found in another thread:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html