Multiple Boot System

[Dwarf]

I was originally considering a triple-boot of XP Pro SP3 (32-bit), Vista Ultimate SP1 (64-bit) and Windows 7 (64-bit). However, my copy of XP is an upgrade copy, and I can't (at the moment) locate my Win 98SE disk so that I can clean install XP. In addition, I haven't any drivers downloaded for XP. In the light of this, and for the reason that I was intending to install XP was so that I could run programs that can only install on a 32-bit system (i.e. have 16-bit installation routines), my question is as follows: As well as the 64-bit version of Vista Ultimate SP1, I have the 32-bit version of it (comes in the same package). This is also the SP1 version. I know that all the disks contain all versions of Vista, so I can install any variant. I also have an older copy of Vista Home Premium 32-bit (all my versions are upgrade versions - more hassle to install, but much, much easier on the pocket) that does not have SP1 integrated. What I want to know is this: Can I install the 32-bit version of Vista from the disk with SP1 pre-integrated (I know that I will have to select Home Premium) and use the product key that came with my copy of Home Premium?

Same post submitted to Seven Forums for greater coverage/response.

 

[RemnanteK]

I use a program called "Super GRUB" for booting between my OS's.
It was started for Linux users, but I have used it on computers with only Win systems.
It's good for those with moderate skill in command line settings, but comes with a great user support.
Good Luck

teK

 

[Dwarf]

Thanks, teK. Although this doesn't answer my question, it may prove helpful for others.

 

[Brink]

Hi Dwarf,

Yes, I believe you should be able to install the 32-bit SP1 Home Premium from your 32-bit Ultimate installation DVD using your separate non-SP1 Home Premium product key number.

Does your XP upgrade not install the same way as a Vista upgrade with the two installs method?

 

[tryersome]

I am also trying to install a triple-boot system with Vista Home Premium x64, Win7 x64 and XP pro x64. XP will not install from the installation cd. I have an empty formatted partition on my hard disk, but Have not figured out a way to point to it for the XP install. You may have the same problem. I will shout out if I find a way.

Tryersome

I was originally considering a triple-boot of XP Pro SP3 (32-bit), Vista Ultimate SP1 (64-bit) and Windows 7 (64-bit). However, my copy of XP is an upgrade copy, and I can't (at the moment) locate my Win 98SE disk so that I can clean install XP. In addition, I haven't any drivers downloaded for XP. In the light of this, and for the reason that I was intending to install XP was so that I could run programs that can only install on a 32-bit system (i.e. have 16-bit installation routines), my question is as follows: As well as the 64-bit version of Vista Ultimate SP1, I have the 32-bit version of it (comes in the same package). This is also the SP1 version. I know that all the disks contain all versions of Vista, so I can install any variant. I also have an older copy of Vista Home Premium 32-bit (all my versions are upgrade versions - more hassle to install, but much, much easier on the pocket) that does not have SP1 integrated. What I want to know is this: Can I install the 32-bit version of Vista from the disk with SP1 pre-integrated (I know that I will have to select Home Premium) and use the product key that came with my copy of Home Premium?

Same post submitted to Seven Forums for greater coverage/response.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Does your XP upgrade not install the same way as a Vista upgrade with the two installs method?

Hello Brink.

No, with XP you have to enter a key at a certain point in the middle of the install to continue, if you don't enter a key then, your done.

I am also trying to install a triple-boot system with Vista Home Premium x64, Win7 x64 and XP pro x64. XP will not install from the installation cd. I have an empty formatted partition on my hard disk, but Have not figured out a way to point to it for the XP install. You may have the same problem. I will shout out if I find a way.

Hello tryersome.

You can't boot from the XP install CD then choose "Custom" install then point it to the partition you want it on?


Later Ted

 

[tryersome]

Ted,
when I boot from the install CD no offer to 'custom' install is offered.

Thanks,
Dwight

I am also trying to install a triple-boot system with Vista Home Premium x64, Win7 x64 and XP pro x64. XP will not install from the installation cd. I have an empty formatted partition on my hard disk, but Have not figured out a way to point to it for the XP install. You may have the same problem. I will shout out if I find a way.

Hello tryersome.

You can't boot from the XP install CD then choose "Custom" install then point it to the partition you want it on?


Later Ted[/quote]

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello.

You don't get the choice of "Upgrade" or "Custom" once you've started the installation?


















Later Ted

 

[tryersome]

Ted,
Sadly there is no "Upgrade" or "Choice" option, so far. Booting from the CD begins a loading of Windows files and then starts install ending up in a blue screen warning that installation can damage the computer. I read the following since your last posting on this and am thinking about adding a drive. However I am not certain how that helps yet. XP would probably load if the new drive is set as master, but what would be needed to get boot selected from either drive? Still working. Thanks again, Dwight

Doug Mahugh : Dual-boot Vista/XP

Hello.

You don't get the choice of "Upgrade" or "Custom" once you've started the installation?


















Later Ted

 

[Dwarf]

Hi Shawn,

For XP, the procedure is different. Although you can clean install with the upgrade media, the official line is that you need to have a previously installed qualifying system already on the disk, just as it is for the upgrade version of Vista. However, like Vista, there is a workaround. Instead of having to install the OS twice, effectively upgrading itself, XP is happy enough to be installed just once providing that you can prove that you own a qualifying product. If this product is not installed on the HDD then XP will ask for the relevant media disk to be inserted during installation, and will only proceed if one is found.

Does your XP upgrade not install the same way as a Vista upgrade with the two installs method?

 

[Brink]

Glad to hear that they lightened up with Vista on the upgrade. I hope Windows 7 will not be hard core.

 

[Dwarf]

Only time will tell.