Dual boot info needed

voyager2x8 · 11 Jan 2009 at 09:43

I have windows vista 64bit installed on my pc and want to try the new windows 7 beta but don't want to format to try so i want to dual boot. My had drive is 500gig split into 2. Partition C is 100gig with vista on and partition D is the other 400gig but it has files on and stuff i download, can i shrink the volume on D by 100gig and use that to dual boot vista with windows 7 without loseing files.

hellarda · 11 Jan 2009 at 09:57

yes you can do this. i have just done this to and windows 7 is well worth getting. your files will not be affected.

voyager2x8 · 11 Jan 2009 at 10:12

but how more info please. Can i do this in computer management.

hellarda · 11 Jan 2009 at 12:34

yes you can do this computer management. go to disk manegement and right click on the disk u want to partition then seelct shrink volume and shrink it by how much u want the partition to be. then when it has shrunk right click on the unallocated space and click create new simple volume. then u hav ur partition!!

Skeeter · 11 Jan 2009 at 12:57

I would be tempted not to use computer management. Ive tried before and it all went a bit screwy. I use Partition Magic to manage my partition and have never had any issues with it, but people on here will be able to suggest others as PM doesnt seem to be liked that much.

Use an application, shrink the volume, create a new on in the new space, boot from W7 disk, install on new volume, away you go.

buy_my_cookies · 11 Jan 2009 at 18:12

when he shrinks D will he lose some files on it?
what im asking is say D has got the 100gb spare when he shrinks it will it use the free space or will it use some free space and some space that may have stuff on it?

Tom|Nbk · 11 Jan 2009 at 18:16

I've got a dual boot question as well,

I currently have XP as my main OS, when I install Windows 7 on another drive will it pick up this other OS and add it into the Bootloader OK?

CodyG WIN-TEAM · 26 Jan 2009 at 15:48

Hi, my name's Cody, and I'm working with the Windows Outreach Team to help answer questions about the Windows 7 Beta.

If you’re still looking for a way to dual boot your current version of Windows with the Windows 7 Beta, here's a great guide that should be helpful in walking you through the process: http://lifehacker.com/5126781/how-to-dual-boot-windows-7-with-xp-or-vista
I hope this is helpful, good luck!

Thanks,

Cody
Windows Outreach Team