Want to try Windows 7

mufc802 · 16 Aug 2009 at 23:09

Hi,

I want to try Windows 7 beta, I have downloaded it and also have MagicISO which I think I can use to burn Windows 7 setup files to a DVD.

I was wondering how to make a dual boot, I currently use Vista 32bit and want to try 7 64bit, but is there a way to make a dual boot and prevent loosing my files? Or will my files get wiped by doing this? :confused:

Alex74 · 16 Aug 2009 at 23:13

Assuming you're using a vista partition on your entire drive, then you'll have to use a utility like gparted to resize that partition.

Then you can create a second partition on your newly freed space on which to install windows 7. While it's installing it will detect the vista installation, so as long as you keep the two on seperate partitions, the vista installation will be added onto the bootloader automatically so you should have no problems.

Be that as it may, if I were you I'd back up any sensitive files before fiddling with partitions and installing a new OS, just in case

mufc802 · 16 Aug 2009 at 23:27

What size does the partion need to be for Windows 7?

Alex74 · 16 Aug 2009 at 23:31

Install takes somewhere in the region of 10GB but then you need free hard drive space for the page file, your own files, and your own programs. So, it really depends on what you want to do with it. Give generously, but don't compromise your existing vista install

.

How full is your hard disk at the moment?

mufc802 · 16 Aug 2009 at 23:33

The drive was partioned when I bought it so there is 50GB free on both partions.

mufc802 · 16 Aug 2009 at 23:54

Help I'm trying to convert the "simple disk" to a "dynamic disk" and it says the OS wont support this! What do I do??

Terrier_Jimlad · 17 Aug 2009 at 07:54

Why would you want to make it a dynamic disk for standard Windows? Are you Windows mirroring two disks? leave it as simple

mufc802 · 17 Aug 2009 at 10:30

roflcakes22 said:
Why would you want to make it a dynamic disk for standard Windows? Are you Windows mirroring two disks? leave it as simple

I don't know what you mean but I'm following this guide. http://lifehacker.com/5126781/how-to-dual-boot-windows-7-with-xp-or-vista

It says how to make a partion but when I try it wont work I think because I'm on a laptop.

Lum · 17 Aug 2009 at 12:09

Dont make a dynamic disk. They're a massive pain in the arse when they break (most recovery tools out there still don't support dynamic discs) and are no use at all unless you want to do software raid.

If you have 50gb free on your second partition then that will be fine. It's not like you'll need to install all your games twice. Just install Win7 onto that partition and away you go.

I made my OS partition (I'm Win7 only) 25GB and I've only used 10.5GB even with all my software installed (My games live on my D: partition though, keeps the older games from getting broken by UAC)

mufc802 · 17 Aug 2009 at 12:14

Lum said:
Dont make a dynamic disk. They're a massive pain in the arse when they break (most recovery tools out there still don't support dynamic discs) and are no use at all unless you want to do software raid.

If you have 50gb free on your second partition then that will be fine. It's not like you'll need to install all your games twice. Just install Win7 onto that partition and away you go.

I made my OS partition (I'm Win7 only) 25GB and I've only used 10.5GB even with all my software installed (My games live on my D: partition though, keeps the older games from getting broken by UAC)

Yes but if I install Win 7 on this second partion, wont it wipe the data already on it? I have the Vista e-recovery on that partion so if anything goes wrong I can restore it.

Lum · 17 Aug 2009 at 12:19

You don't need to reformat the partition to install Win7 on there. No idea about e-recovery though as I've not used it. If it's just a data file somewhere it should be fine.

CaptainCrash · 17 Aug 2009 at 12:38

Yateszy said:
Yes but if I install Win 7 on this second partion, wont it wipe the data already on it? I have the Vista e-recovery on that partion so if anything goes wrong I can restore it.

"Put The Weapon Down And Step Away From The Computer - Do It Now"

Sorry if this isn't very constructive, but if you have data you can't afford to lose, I can see it all ending in tears - at the very least, make sure *everything* of any value is backed up before you go any further. Messing around with partitions containing live data can be a dodgy exercise at the best of times, and if you haven't done it before it's basically a disaster waiting to happen.

You really need to be prepared for the possibility that you will lose *everything* on your HDD if something goes seriously wrong, including the Vista e-recovery partition - if (for whatever reason) you're not presently in a position to fix things if the worst happens, you might be better advised to leave things alone until you are.

Apologies if I'm underestimating your knowhow, but your previous posts are giving me the collywobbles...

mufc802 · 17 Aug 2009 at 17:35

I went through with it and am now using Windows 7. I have to say the speeds are amazing compaired to Vista on the laptop, and had no driver problems, it all works fine from the off, amazing!

CaptainCrash · 17 Aug 2009 at 17:50

Oh well, that's me told then. Glad it worked out for you.

On a somewhat related note, if you do decide to stick with Win 7, perhaps it might be a good idea anyway to back up your user data and repartition the HDD from scratch - presumably the Vista recovery partition (if that's what it is) would be of no further use, and you could set up the new partitions in whatever way suits you best...