Basic Dual Boot Questions

jday wrote on 7/30/2007, 6:55 PM
I just ordered a new computer and it is coming with Vista. I really wanted to stick with XP but it wasn't an option. So, I'm thinking about setting up a dual-boot rather than replacing the Vista with XP. I have searched the internet and found several very good guides on how to set this up and that shouldn't be a problem.

However, I do have some basic questions about dual-boot systems that I haven't been able to find answers to. Let's assume that after I partition my C drive (which will be my Vista drive), the new partition will be designated as my G drive (second hard drive will be D and two optical drives will probably be E & F).

1. I will be using the D drive (second hard drive) as my data drive. Will I be able to access documents/files/videos/pictures/etc from either the Vista boot or the XP boot?
2. For programs that I might want to run in XP but test in Vista but aren't certified (like Vegas) do I need to install it twice--once on the Vista partition Program Files and again on the XP partition?

Comments

blink3times wrote on 7/30/2007, 7:48 PM
Mine is set up pretty much how you want yours. I have both XP and vista on on the same drive and all of my personal data on D, and my video stuff on E.

I installed XP and Vista TOTALLY independent from each other and I use a third party boot manager. When Vista is running, it sees itself as being on C, Data in D and Video in E. Xp is seen as being on J

When XP is running, it's the same thing... It sees itself as being on C, Data in D, Video in E. Vista is seen as J

Both XP and Vista use the same "my doc. folder", the same Movie folder.... and so on. I even have my mail folder on D so Vista outlook sees the same mail/address folder that XP outlook sees.

And yes... you WILL need to install a copy of each program on each OS. The registries are not common between the 2 OS's.
jday wrote on 7/30/2007, 8:00 PM
b3t, thanks. That's what I was hoping for, but of course, now I still have one question. The question deals with your program files. Based on what you told me, I think I already have my answer, but just want to confirm.

Although both XP and Vista sees themselves as the C drive when you boot to that OS, it obviously would NOT see programs installed under the other OS. Is that correct? For example, if you install Vegas on you C drive (obviously booted into XP), when you boot into Vista (which now shows as C drive), Vegas will NOT show or start unless it is actually installed under a Vista boot. Correct?

OK, (showing my ignorance on this subject), what if I make the XP and Vista partitions fairly small (basically only for the OS) and install all my programs on another physical drive, will they be available in either OS since that "other" physical drive will be recognized by both OSs and still have the same drive letter. I know you did say that you share data between the two, but now I'm wondering about programs. Thanks.

blink3times wrote on 7/30/2007, 8:14 PM
"Although both XP and Vista sees themselves as the C drive when you boot to that OS, it obviously would NOT see programs installed under the other OS. Is that correct?"
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That's correct... all data including the OS on J drive is seen as irrelevant data.

You can't install ONE program to share between the 2 OS's. Each program must register itself properly within the registry of each respective OS. Because the registries are not (and can never be) common... then neither can the programs.

I can however do smaller things like ask the Vista Vegas to scan for VSt's in J drive (the other OS drive)
jday wrote on 7/30/2007, 8:32 PM
b3t, thanks again for the quick response. It was basically what I assumed. I've got a couple of weeks before my new computer arrives so my decision is whether I want to fool with a dual boot or simply wipe the drive and install XP only since that is what I really want. Of course, since I will be getting the Vista OS discs with my system, I will be able to switch at a later date (I know--starting from scratch).
blink3times wrote on 7/30/2007, 8:45 PM
Well, you MAY end up wiping the drive. If I am correct, the machine you're getting will have vista preloaded AND a hidden "recovery partition". Most manufacturers do this now instead of sending along recovery disks.

If you have a hidden recovery partition then the whole thing gets very much complicated.... resizing the HDD partitions and such for a XP partition can sometimes damage the recovery partition. You may end up with no Vista at all.

If you want to run dual boot, then it MAY be necessary to purchase a separate version of vista... or at least prepare yourself for the possibility.

If you simply wipe the partition and install xp, then you will not run the risk of damaging the recovery partition, and therefore will be able to return to Vista at no extra cost should you want to.

At bare minimum if you plan on playing with the partitions, then I would strongly suggest doing a disk image of the recovery partition should there be problems.
jday wrote on 7/30/2007, 8:55 PM
B3T, you are absolutely correct. I ordered a Dell XPS 720 to replace my XPS 600 so I do know about those restore partitions and how easy it is to damage them.

However, I do get Dell to send me the OS disc and drivers disc because even if I don't want to change the OS at all, I usually want to start with a clean install of the OS to get rid of all the bloatware that comes with the computer. Of course, if I use the restore partition or even a restore disc (which like you said usually don't come with systems anymore) it simply reinstalls all the bloatware.

Anyway, like I said, I have a couple of weeks to think about this but right now my thinking is to go strictly with XP. Thanks again for chiming in.