Dual booting Vista 64 bit and Vista 32 bit?

[ZombieRitual]

So I put together this build in July, and as you'll notice I went with an OEM copy of 64-bit Vista Home Premium. I've since noticed that some programs I have just don't run on a 64-bit operating system. Since Vista changes the way dual booting Vista/XP works, I figure I should go with a 32-bit version of Vista. I'm not sure if I should go with Home Premium or Home Basic as I'll just be using that install for a few programs. I don't really have a need for Aero or Flip. However, what will be the easiest 32-bit version to dual boot?

Furthermore, what are the complications I could run into by trying to dual boot two versions of Vista? Could I set it up to give me a choice of which OS to boot to every time I restart? I'm new at the whole idea of dual booting truth be told. One more thing: I have two HD's and both have already been formatted and have data on them. Would I basically have to wipe an entire drive before repartitioning it?

Here are my build if it helps with any responses:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115017
ASUS P5K LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16813131180
SAPPHIRE 100186L Radeon X1950XT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO HDCP Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16814102067
Kingston 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retai
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...820134193&Tpk=kingston
SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM X2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16822152052
ENERMAX Liberty ELT500AWT ATX12V 500W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16817194003
ASUS 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe and 14X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model DRW-1814BLT - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16827135146
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16832116204
COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16811119106

 

[Mem]

Which programs don't run?

 

[ZombieRitual]

Just a few programs, nothing major, but enough that I'd be willing to purchase a 32-bit copy of Vista to use em from time to time.

 

[ShawnD1]

Do those programs run in compatibility mode by any chance? Have you thought of trying virtualization instead of dual booting? VMWare is great for running another OS inside of your main OS, and you won't need to dick around with partitions or extra hard drives.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: Mem
Which programs don't run?

I'm curious as well.

Any piece of software I've had that hasnt ran either had a 64bit version (Infrarecorder) or a minor tweak needed (itunes).

 

[ZombieRitual]

The programs won't run on 64-bit Windows, the FAQ's stated this explicitly. I don't mind taking the time to set-up a dual boot, I just want to know how to do it properly.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: ZombieRitual
The programs won't run on 64-bit Windows, the FAQ's stated this explicitly. I don't mind taking the time to set-up a dual boot, I just want to know how to do it properly.

Well, to be honest, I havent heard of anyone actually dual booting the exact same OS in two flavors before. I see no reason why it should be any harder than installing it in another partition, and choosing which one to load. In theory, it should be no different than dual booting any other two OSes. But thats a MAJOR hassle.

Theres a bunch of apps that do not explicitly support x64 by the dev's own admission. That doesnt mean there isnt an easy way to hack it to work - iTunes being the prime example. iTunes runs *perfectly* on Vista64 even though its not supported.

If you actually do list the programs in question, we may be able to help you get them running or suggest alternatives that may work just as well for your needs. Dual booting for this reason would be like swatting a fly with a sledgehammer in many cases.

If you still wanna do it, more power to you, it'll probably be a piece of cake. At the very least, running in a VM would be a much more elegant and reasonable solution.