Second OS installation

[wesley]

I am considering installing a second operating system on my computer. I am currently running Vista HP x64, which is great, but I would still like to have the simple Windows XP available just for the sake of accessibility. I already have a bit of an idea how I would go about this, but I haven't done it before. When I installed Vista, I didn't notice if it gave me the option to customize the size of the Windows partition Vista was to be installed on like other versions of windows do during installation. I'd like to know from someone who is running multiple OS's how to configure my hard drive's partitions so that xp can be installed as well. Should I uninstall Vista and install xp on half then put vista on again or do I have other options like virtual computer (of which I know nothing and heard about on another site). Anything I should know? :eek:

 

[motarola2]

so you want to dual boot. i've heard that it's recommended to install xp first then vista. well, that the way i've always done it anyway.

if you start with vista first, it goes like this:

then if you already have a partition, delete it, and create a new one of the size you want.

and you type in the partition size, apply, format the partition. i think you can take it from here.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello wesley.

You may want to have a look at the link below.

How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots

You also ought to have a look at the tutorial at the link below.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/127417-system-restore-points-stop-xp-dual-boot-delete.html?ltr=S

Keep us informed.


Later Ted

 

[usmc_nam_vet]

Ubuntu linux will allow you to partion your disk after vista. I have it on both vista computers, one 32bit, the other 64 bit. If you want to play with a linux system.

 

[wesley]

Thanks to all you guys, everything has been very helpful. I am now considering the possibility of installing Linux and XP. I heard that the installation of Linux is completely free and that sounds appealing. Now I'm wondering if someone has a suggested course of actions to follow for installing XP and Linux along with Vista (hopefully without having to reinstall). I haven't completely gone through that tutorial yet, but I think that the best way to go about installing XP now. If there is a way to do the same thing with the XP installation in order to install Linux or install Linux then XP, I'll post it when I find it, unless someone else already knows, of course.

Thanks again!

 

[johngalt]

The first link that Ted posted is actually one of many guides they have regarding how to install other operating systems with Vista - and there are plenty of places to read how to triple boot all three - here is a Google search for you - The definitive dual-booting guide: Linux, Vista and XP step-by-step

 

[wesley]

I think I am prepared to dual boot now, but am unlear on a few things.
Does anyone know why Windows can only shrink my origonal (and only) Vista partition 93 GB when I have 500 GB free? I have read that some people are able to shrink almost half their partitions. Should I be using gparted? I'm wondering how it works.
After the dual boot, will Ubuntu boot with Easy BCD? I noticed it's possible to install Ubuntu with the option of dual-booting. Does it install another boot selection program , if so does it work with xp?

Thanks guys sorry about all the questions