Quick 3 second dual boot question

[MrMiyagi]

I just got Vista Ultimate...but want to keep XP so I was going to dual boot using VistaBootPro.

Now...I've got a 120 gig HD that is parted to 40 gigs which XP Pro is currently on and 80 gigs for other space.

I don't need to reinstall my Win XP at the same time do I? I mean...can I nuke the 80 gig partition and maybe part that fresh format in half...then install Vista on one of those halves without messing with XP Pro?

Thanks.

 

[cyclohexane]

sure you can, just use partitionmagic or some other kind of software.

 

[exaltair]

Just boot up with the Vista disc and delete your 80gb partition, and repartition that during the setup.

 

[SimMike2]

If you have the "upgrade" version of Vista, it might not allow you to keep your XP install. There are probably tricks around this problem. If you have the full version, just use the disk tools inside XP to remove your secondary partitions and make them into two partitions, and then install Vista on this partition.

However, I would recommend keeping your 80GB secondary partition, let Vista install there and also keep your existing files.

 

[MrMiyagi]

Partition Magic actually has an option for "Install another operating system" that creates another partition for installing an OS.

What's the advantage of this? Anyone use that option?