Duel boot Vista 64 + XP32

Is it really hard to run/set-up a duel boot system ? I'm wondering when I make the move to Vista64 if I have problems with some of my software why I couldn't run XP32 bit on the same system somehow to make live easier ?

I have no idea how hard/easy this is though lol...Your thoughts please.

Im running a dual-boot at the mo...Vista 32bit and Winxp 32 bit with no probs. If you install winxp first, you have no probs...but if you install WinXp last...you might pick up some. EasyBcd and the like doesnt work 100% in the 2nd scenario...You basicly have to use Vista's built-in bcdedit to fix this as Vista uses "Winload"...and xp doesn't. EasyBcd tries to manipulate the Vista Bootloader with a "wrong" modification to WinXp startup directory...Also remember, that IF you want to Dual-Boot, first create an additional partition or add a 2nd HDD, make it NTFS, and THEN only install Vista ( or let Vista format the new drive )...You shouldnt have any probs

PS: You WILL have probs with software...especially the drivers...so be prepared...Make sure you have the 64-bit version drivers FIRST before attempting this change...

All the hardware is/will be brand new and I've already got 64bit drivers for them. Have also already checked out most of the software I use and there is some problems with quite a few of them but it seems other people have already figuered out work-arounds and I've saved all that info into a text file.

Main thing that surprised me is when checking info on programs around the net that some of the big software developers/companies don't have any plans for making their software 64bit. Isn't the futre in computers moving towards 64bit ? I was under the impression it was the way forward, I mean processors and other hardware are now leaning that way, so it seems more and more people are starting to use 64bit OS's.

Anyways, I have everything pretty much sorted now except for a good anti-virus/firewall for a 64bit system.

Dalork said:

Main thing that surprised me is when checking info on programs around the net that some of the big software developers/companies don't have any plans for making their software 64bit. Isn't the futre in computers moving towards 64bit ? I was under the impression it was the way forward, I mean processors and other hardware are now leaning that way, so it seems more and more people are starting to use 64bit OS's.

Click to expand...

I think we'll only have to wait and see. The main reason I hav'nt moved to 64-bit yet is because of "stability"...I can't afford down-time. Im a Computer Tech and have seen quite a bit of probs regarding 64-bit...