XP32 -> Vista64 Dual Boot, new physical drive

[ZeroOne]

I think I have this straight but just want to double check something. I appreciate any advice you all may have!

I have xp 32 bit and will be installing vista 64 bit. This will go on a new sata drive, added to the system.

Ideally, I would just swap the sata cable to whichever OS drive I need at the moment (open tower). Problem is, I'd rather not unhook the raid-0 array that my xp installation is on.

My paranoia is that Vista will "do things" to my XP drive, which doesn't even need to be accessible while in vista. I have a second raid1 array that has all of my data, that I'd like both OSes to see.

Can I simply pop the vista dvd in and install onto the empty, new drive? I've read a how-to (link (http://apcmag.com/how_to_dualboot_vista_with_xp__stepbystep_guide_wi th_screenshots.htm?page=1)) and understand most of it, but this part makes me nervous because I don't want to modify xp in any way;


The Vista boot manager will take over the system completely, and Windows XP effectively loads via Vista. It’s all pretty seamless though, and you shouldn’t encounter any technical problems.

[bldegle2]

"My paranoia is that Vista will "do things" to my XP drive, which doesn't even need to be accessible while in vista."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

LOL, yeah, it can 'do things' to your XP install, I had the dual boot going for awhile (XP32bit & Vista 64bit)......eventually, something went wrong with every dual boot install.....now on Vista 64bit as a standalone....works much better....

the only thing I can see that may 'mess' with you is the existing raid array when installing Vista for a dual boot config....just be careful....hint, it is was me, I would 'image' the XP install first just in case:up:

good luck...

laterzzzz..........

[dnottis]

I think I have this straight but just want to double check something. I appreciate any advice you all may have!

I have xp 32 bit and will be installing vista 64 bit. This will go on a new sata drive, added to the system.

Ideally, I would just swap the sata cable to whichever OS drive I need at the moment (open tower). Problem is, I'd rather not unhook the raid-0 array that my xp installation is on.

My paranoia is that Vista will "do things" to my XP drive, which doesn't even need to be accessible while in vista. I have a second raid1 array that has all of my data, that I'd like both OSes to see.

Can I simply pop the vista dvd in and install onto the empty, new drive? I've read a how-to (link (http://apcmag.com/how_to_dualboot_vista_with_xp__stepbystep_guide_wi th_screenshots.htm?page=1)) and understand most of it, but this part makes me nervous because I don't want to modify xp in any way;

I used to do the "swap the cable" thing. But I've since just connected both my XP32 and Vista x64 along with my backup D: drive all to the mobo through SATA connections. I just change which drive to boot from in the bios when I want to change OSes, this way all drives are accessible at all times and Vista hasnt "screwed" with my XP drive at all!

Just connect them all and change the boot drive in the bios. Easy as cake! I actually label my drives Windows XP and Windows Vista x64 - that when when you are installing you dont accidentally choose the wrong drive! :)

[ZeroOne]

Thanks for suggestions! I had taken an image using Acronis 11, so there wasn't much to lose but time if anything went wrong.

I completely forgot about the hard drive boot order in the bios. (I'm losing my mind.) I had just assumed "hard drive" and the two would fight it out on boot, but you can pick WHICH hd is first. (DUH!) :clap:

You can imagine my surprise when, after installing Vista from the dvd and allowing it to update, the reboot came back into XP, (I had left the room). Rounding the corner and catching sight of my old desktop wallpaper, all I could come up with was.... "Ummmmm......???" :confused:

I've outgrown my tower with this extra HD, so it sits on the desk until a new purchase. Easiest method was to set the Vista (half-assed-external) drive as the first boot drive, and disconnect it when XP is needed.

I guess the REAL "dual-boot" issues come up when you have one physical drive with two partitions since, then, it is up to the OSes to battle it out.

Thanks again for the replies, and not making fun of me, having a "moment" here. LOL :up: