Dual Booting XP and Win7 and other questions

naknakkus · 19 Oct 2009 at 10:44

1. Is it easy to dual boot these two operating systems? They will be on separate hard drives. Does Win7 create a new boot menu?

2. I'm getting an SSD in December, can I install the OS on my WD Green and then transfer it to the SSD without Win7 throwing any fits? Or should I just wait?

3. Can I upgrade my motherboard etc but keep my hard drive set up with the windows licenses?

Thanks. These are noob questions, but it's been a long time since I've installed an OS.

robinbredin · 19 Oct 2009 at 11:48

Hi,

1. Is it easy to dual boot these two operating systems? They will be on separate hard drives. Does Win7 create a new boot menu?

Follow this guide below, and it will help you. Though it says Vista, Win 7 will do.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/224397-dual-boot-installation-windows-vista-xp.html

2. I'm getting an SSD in December, can I install the OS on my WD Green and then transfer it to the SSD without Win7 throwing any fits? Or should I just wait?

You can use any type of HD to duel boot, SSD's are ok.

3. Can I upgrade my motherboard etc but keep my hard drive set up with the windows licenses?

As long as your mobo is nit OEM. The software on your HD will be tied to your mobo. If you use an retail mobo, then your OP will have to be retail.

Axil · 19 Oct 2009 at 13:40

No problem, dual booting windows 7 + xp - just make sure you install the OSes in order of release e.g. first XP then win 7

frying_pan_cat · 19 Oct 2009 at 17:34

robinbredin said:
You can use any type of HD to duel boot, SSD's are ok.

I may be wrong but I read it as him asking if he could transfer his windows install from one HDD to another without reinstalling as he will not get the SSD until December.
I'm sure you can but I'm not sure how

edit: a quick google says to use acronis true image to clone the files from the WD to the SSD but I'm sure someone with more knowledge on the subjuct can give you more info

naknakkus · 19 Oct 2009 at 17:51

It's a relief that I'll be able to dual boot them. I'm a bit tired of XP, but I know that I'll probably need it for compatibility and also for the convenience of having games etc already installed on it. Thanks for your replies.

frying_pan_cat said:
I may be wrong but I read it as him asking if he could transfer his windows install from one HDD to another without reinstalling as he will not get the SSD until December.
I'm sure you can but I'm not sure how

edit: a quick google says to use acronis true image to clone the files from the WD to the SSD but I'm sure someone with more knowledge on the subjuct can give you more info

Yes, that's what I meant.

I'd like to use Win7 till I get the SSD, then I'd like to be able to transfer the installation onto the new drive. I'll check out the Acronis software, thanks!