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General discussion

Dual boot system using Vista and XP and 2 HDD

Dec 8, 2010 12:46AM PST

Hello,

I have been running my Vista 64 bit system for a while now. I have a few games that I have had for a long time that doesn't work in Vista 64bit. I have bought a second hdd hoping to install xp 32bit on it to play those games.

How can I install XP on my second drive and install my game on them?

Do I just make my 2nd hdd d: and install xp on it? How will I bet able to choose on which OS to boot up on start up?

I can manage my way around a pc most of the time for what I needed it to do but this is a bit over my knowledge.

I have searched the site but could only find dual boot using 1 hdd. I do not want to partition my drive. both hdd are Seagate Barracuda 750 GB.

Thank you,
MH

Discussion is locked

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XP on a 2nd hdd
Dec 8, 2010 8:22PM PST

I will have to pass on the 2nd hdd issue as my knowledge is limited.

But what I do know is that, even if this is possible, you will face two possible problems.

1] The biggest problem. If you install XP either on a 2nd hdd or on a different partition your Vista will fail to boot. Vista uses a Boot Manager but XP uses the old boot.ini file to boot up. That boot.ini file will overwrite Vista's Boot Manager and prevent Vista from booting. The normal procedure for XP with Vista or Win 7 is to install the older version first, then install the newer version. That creates the dual boot Boot Manager which allows both Windows to boot.

2] If the 2nd hdd is SATA XP may not install. XP doesn't recognise SATA drives and you need to add the SATA drivers during the XP setup procedure. Normally via a floppy drive but it can be done from some other external source. In your motherboard's BIOS, you may be able to turn on SATA to compatability mode or IDE mode, in which case windows won't need drivers to see it. but I don't know how that would affect any Vista install.

Other issues

If this is not XP SP1 or later, XP will not recognise hdd capacity over 127GB

You will need all other drivers for this XP install, from motherboard/chipset drivers, sound, video card, and so on.

Even if you get all this done, you will still have to install the games on the new XP OS. You can't transfer game folders from one computer to another.

Have you tried Vista's Compatibility Mode for these games?

Mark

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A much better idea
Dec 8, 2010 8:27PM PST

1. Upgrade (that's the 'anytime upgrade') to Professional or Ultimate
2. Download the virtual XP-machine that runs under those versions of the OS from Microsoft.
3. Install your games into that virtual machine.
4. Run them

Kees

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Window 7 upgrage?
Dec 8, 2010 11:41PM PST

HI,

If I upgrade, should I just upgrade to W7? To be quite honest, good (or bad depend on what side of the fence you are) thing that this computer came with Vista 64bit, because I would over never bought that garbage willingly.

If I'm going to spend my $$$ to fix my "game" issues, I would rather go W7 than upgrade to Vista Pro or Ultimate.

Your thoughts? Will the same thing work for W7?

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2nd HDD
Dec 8, 2010 11:43PM PST

If I upgrade to W7 and run the virtual server, will that leave my 2nd hdd available for backup or would I have to run the first HDD with W7 and the second with the virtual XP?

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Re: second hdd
Dec 8, 2010 11:56PM PST

Would be available for whatever you like.

Kees