The definitive dual-booting guide: Windows 7, Linux, Vista and XP step-by-step

Paul George (New user):

I was using Grub to boot XP and Linux, but this is much better.
Good article.

Nanoxy (New user):

I like to say thanks to the APC.MAG. Because I'm running Ubuntu in my Vista PC. So I have dual boot Vista installed first and Ubuntu 8.04. Because of the step by step guide on how to I was able to dual boot Vista and Ubuntu., And Im very happy and everything went smoothly with no problem. Once again muchas gracias!!!

YF Liang (New user):

So, if I were to start with a blank PC, which would be your
preferred OS to install first? Install Windows (XP/Vista),
or Linux first? Thanks.

phillw (New user):

Put Windows on 1st, it's just easier that way !!

Rad (New user):

Can you do a guide on how to dual boot VISTA 32 and 64 bit or how to move from 32 to 64?

kitegeezer (New user):

Very nice.

can we move on to multi boot?


i have followed your instructions an now have dual boot with vista installed first

I want to go to multi boot - Visa installed first (xp installed second by your instructions) and ubuntu

in order vista xp linux (ubuntu)

phillw (New user):

As we always say in the UK, here's one we prepared earlier ..
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=991987

Those crazy people are up to about 4 O/S booting last time I checked !!!

Ken collins (New user):

I followed instructions in loading XP on to OS with Vista already installed inserted XP CD Install screen came on clicked Install this message came up "this program is blocked due to compatibility issues" because the OS on Computer is newer than XP How do I get past this?? Ken Collins

TechyTru (New user):

How I did it was to download this utility here:
http://www.proaudiosoft.com/dualboot.html
Worked awesome for me ...

Pasquale (New user):

I havee a HP m9250f computer with Windows vista Premium installed. I want to install and dual boot Windows XP Professional. I have received instructions from HP on how to do this. I am able to partition my hard drive OK, but when I restart and try boot from my XP CD, the drive just spins for a few minutes and the system boots up normally with Vista. If I restart and hit the Escape key at the first blue screen, I then get the boot selection menu. I then choose the CD/DVD option, press any key to continue and I get the Windows Setup screen. The problem is, the partition option select screen that shoulod appear doesn't. Instead the software starts loading files and drivers. When this is finished a message appears saying that Windows is starting up. Then I get a screen that says Windows has been shut down because of potential damage to my system. There is no way to get out of this screen except to power off.

Faraz Karamat (New user):

Hi, I facing the exact same problem as you. Were you able to find a solution? If you did can you please let me know how you did it? you can contact me on my email: faraz.karamat@live.com.

Thanks
Faraz

Riddla (New user):

can you triple boot xp,vista, and suse linux 10.0?

tenzin (New user):

i think you can. If you already have a dual boot configuration of xp-vista, then simply installing suse linux should get you the tri boot conf.

Riddla (New user):

Edit: double post of above

dromonbylad (New user):

How about a gude on how to triple boot XP, Vista and Linux(Ubuntu). I have a new Vista Ultimate 64bit PC and wish to add XP (for older games and support for my old film scanner) as well as try Ubuntu linux. I can start with a clean hard drive.

kitegeezer (New user):

Still no step by step for tripple boot?

aubie8 (New user):

i tried this. when i did the "SHRINK" command. It shrank the volume by 90ish GB. But now, I don't have another partition with that extra space. Its gone. What should I do now?

STEVO (New user):

right click computer, then click manage, then click disk managment, & you should she your vanished 90 GB space.

dollymop (New user):

how about a dual boot win 2K pro installed and win XP pro

pilot (New user):

I managed to get Ubuntu 8.04 and Vista Home Premium running and dual booting for about 2 weeks. The grub bootloader would ask which Operating System to boot and it would default to Ubuntu which is fine. Then I tried to boot in Vista to no avail. I cannot even get vista to boot at all even in safe mode. Any help would be appreciated. Hardware is a Sony Vaio model VGNAR730E for what thats worth. Thanks in advance Pilot

izzy620 (New user):

Hey guys. Your blog helped me out so I just want to return the favor. I am currently running a triple boot of Vista Home Premium SP1, Windows XP SP3, and Ubuntu Linux. The way it boots is that upon startup the GRUB menu loads with three entries. Ubuntu, XP, and Vista. I think this is what you guys were looking for. If so let me know I'd be more than happy to write up a step-by-step.

kitegeezer (New user):

Hi Izzy,

I for one have been waiting for someone with (much) more know how than I have to do a step by step for exactly what you have done. I have a dual core AMD 500+ 4GB RAM with 32 bit home premium sp 1 and 32 bit XP SP3 using easy BCD, I'd like to add the 64bit version of Ubuntu. I can handle the drivers, but am clueless about changing over to Grub

Hansi (New user):

I should have read all posts before submitting mine. The only difference is that I am going to be using Vista Ult 64bit. In which order did you load? And, I'm assuming that there may be some differences between the Ult 64 load and the Home Premium; not sure about that and was wondering if you might know?

Thanks!

lambda (New user):

Hi Izzy,
It's good to know that somebody like you has done the triple boot already. I have a machine that dual boots Vista Business and Ubuntu 8.04 and would like to add XP3 into it. Can you please share how you successfully did the triple boot (Vista, XP, and Ubuntu)? Would appreciate a step-by-step guide when you get a chance. Thanks!

izzy620 (New user):

definately sir. sorry i never got an email as to whether someone responded but i wll be sure to make it

millersnme (New user):

Tripple Boot... I used your guide and I got 3 os on one pc... Vista 1st. Then I installed SUSE then I installed UBUNTU and they all work great. I did find out the hard way you do not want to install SUSE last as it will wipe out your UBUNTU install.

Frosty (New user):

What about having XP and vista on 2 different HDs will this tut be the same? Is it then easier? Harder?

bartolomeus (New user):

Can you make a PAGE 7 "How to dual-boot Vista with XP and Linux (Vista installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots"

(I have vista preinstalled now, and want to have all 3 in grubs bootmenu)

hoebrechts (New user):

try linux

Hansi (New user):

This is exactly what I was looking for but would like to take it just a little further. Perhaps it's already been done; if so, sorry. I am in the process of building a new system but am going with Vista Ultimate 64. My previous system was running XP Pro and I was very happy with that OS. Since this will be my first venture with Vista Ult 64 I thought I'd go with a dual boot system. However, I have been very interested in wanting to try out Linux as well. Can a system be set up with all three on one partition or do multiple partitions be needed?

Thanks in advance!

ReneB (New user):

qw

ReneB (New user):

I've loaded 8.04 with XP (1st) according to instructions. On boot-up my pc defaults directly to XP - no choice. Can someone supply instructions to adjust this small problem?

tenzin (New user):

the answer is to modify the configuration in the grub menu.
use a live cd to boot linux, then go into /boot/grub then edit menu.lst
inside this file everything is pretty clearly described.
You can set the timeout for the menu in the third section.
You can also change the default os choice by replacing the number in second section to the number of line of your choice as it appears in the boot menu.hope this help!

tenzin (New user):

Any idea about the best way to tri-boot vista ,xp , and ubuntu.
I already have dual boot vista-32 and kubuntu-8.10 . What is the best way to add win xp.(i have two complications, i no longer have the vista DVD, and my hd is SATA. )

two4two (New user):

I have three HDDs, each attached to an add-in HDD controller card and not to the mobo. I'm keeping Win 98SE, which is the primary master on that card, and installed XP in a dual-boot setup on the primary slave on that card. The third drive is the secondary master on that card. I then installed Ubuntu onto the third HDD (but I had disconnected the other two drives before I did so). I wanted to use the Microsoft boot menu with the linux as a third available OS rather than have the grub menu with its one line pointing to Windows OS's which then navigates to the Microsoft menu. This is a two-tiered process and I'd rather keep a single process. I tried the trick of copying the master boot record (512 bytes) of the linux drive to a file on the "C" drive and then manually editing boot.ini to point to that file. It doesn't work. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that my "C" drive is FAT32? Also, it appears as though with linux the designation of drives attached to the mobo is different from those attached to an add-in card. Something to do with HD0, HD1, etc., vs SD0, SD1, etc.? Or I've read something about drive designation for add-in cards begin with HD4 or HD7 or something like that? I don't want to re-install Win XP (although I could do a repair install), and I certainly don't want to mess with the Win98 SE. Anyone have any experience with this setup where all three drives are on an add-in HD controller card and wanting to use the Microsoft boot.ini process instead of GRUB/two-tiered process?

tenzin (New user):

IMHO, copying the MBR hack is not that a great idea. If your primary OS is XP , why don't u use easyBCD. It has a good support for managing all boot thingies (windows,linux,etc). I have it on my system and i have vista on first partition, xp on third and Ubuntu on forth. You can see on one of the window which harddisk and which partition is visible and then you just select and mark as bootables.This boot manager will safely do all the modifying you need, and no need to mess around with boot.ini or NTLD or NTdetecxt.com.

And to the other tri boot seekers, i would love to contribute to the how to.I had to spend some days trying to avoid all kind of weird pitfall when i first set out to install xp and kubuntu on to my Vista. But this place is new to me and i am not sure where to post . he he

Peridot (New user):

How do i triple boot Vista, Linux and XP (with vista installed first)?

tenzin (New user):

to Peridot.
follow the instructions given in dual booting vista and xp first. Then depending on which distro of linux u plan to use, It would be as straight forward as booting off a live cd, and select install options. Most live cd will competently walk u through a multi boot setup in just few screens. I use kubuntu. The only thing i had to do was select the manual partition option, create appropriate partitons for linux(after xp has been installed with vista) and then let it do its job. It does a good job of detecting the other two windows and adds it to the boot menu( in my case it was grub).

Peridot (New user):

Thanks tenzin i will try as u said :)

jimf28 (New user):

I want to reinstall xp on my dual boot xp-vista setup
My XP needs to be reinstaled. I have a dual boot setup with XP installed first. each OS is on its own HD.

jimf28 (New user):

I have a dual boot xp/vista setup. Both OS are on seperate HD
The original setup was done with XP installed first.
The problem is I need to reinstall XP, how do I reinstall XP on a Dual Boot XP/Vista setup
thanks

vinod7779 (New user):

i installed linux(redhat)frist on my pc & i want to install vista can i follow the instuctions of dual-boot Vista with Linux is that sufficient to run dual boot succesfully on my pc??? please guide........mine is not Ubuntu 8.04.

vinod7779 (New user):

i installed linux(redhat)frist on my pc & i want to install vista can i follow the instuctions of dual-boot Vista with Linux is that sufficient to run dual boot succesfully on my pc??? please guide........mine is not Ubuntu 8.04.

Noremacnek (New user):

How can I use a second hard disk with XP already installed and working to dual boot on a Vista PC?

Denzie (New user):

i already have multi boot with vista and XP...like is it possible to install ubuntu on another partition? I partitioned the HD of my system to 3....kindly advise...thank you!

Denzie (New user):

hi! i already have XP and Vista on my machine...was thinking if its possible to add ubuntu on it.... kindly advise on this one. thank you!

tenzin (New user):

yes. just make sure to do the manual selection of the partition(which you had earmarked for ubuntu) when ubuntu asks you where to install.The minimun is two partition, one root, another swap.

mjl (New user):

Hi.

I'm a linux dabbler. I've tried various flavors of linux over the last half dozen years or so. The computer I'm intending to put kubunutu on is a shared computer running WinXP used by my family. We have lots of stuff on it that would be a tragedy to loose so I must be VERY careful not to damage anything when I install Kubuntu 8.10.

My question is; What does the option "use largest continuous free space" mean on the disk configurations portion of the install routine?

I put a new 500Gb drive in my computer a while ago and created a new Windows install on it in an 80Gb partition. I put one other 80Gb partition on it and have left the remainder of the disk unpartitioned - intending to put Linux in that space.

Is this unpartitioned space the space that the installation routine will use if I choose the option to use the Largest free space or will it try to use the largest unused space on existing partitions. The installation dialog is not clear.

I can't afford to screw this up so I would really appreciate some help.

Thanks!

mjl (New user):

Hi.

I'm a linux dabbler. I've tried various flavors of linux over the last half dozen years or so. The computer I'm intending to put kubunutu on is a shared computer running WinXP used by my family. We have lots of stuff on it that would be a tragedy to loose so I must be VERY careful not to damage anything when I install Kubuntu 8.10.

My question is; What does the option "use largest continuous free space" mean on the disk configurations portion of the install routine?

I put a new 500Gb drive in my computer a while ago and created a new Windows install on it in an 80Gb partition. I put one other 80Gb partition on it and have left the remainder of the disk unpartitioned - intending to put Linux in that space.

Is this unpartitioned space the space that the installation routine will use if I choose the option to use the Largest free space or will it try to use the largest unused space on existing partitions. The installation dialog is not clear.

I can't afford to screw this up so I would really appreciate some help.

Thanks!

tenzin (New user):

i am pretty sure it will use the largest portion of the hard disk(physical) irrespective of the partition. For eg. you have c and d, and d is empty,c is half full. If the portion of c that is empty happens to be one bordering the free partition , then it is thought to e contiguous, and will be used to create linux partition.If not, then only the d partition will be used. To be on the safe side, i always do a defrag on the windows partition so that all the data are compact and all the free space ends up in a continuous stretch at the end of the partition. Then, depending on how big my requirment is, i either resize the partion, or chose not to use that part.And then when installing linux, i do the manual partition so i can specify which part of the hard disk linux can use. Hope this helps.

Torgy (New user):

I feel like a grandma, I can't do this...I'm trying to put on Ubuntu to play around with and get a feel for Linux and such, but have minimal technical computer knowledge. I currently have Windows XP on my computer, normal everything. I need to figure out how to install the GRUB bootloader in order to do the easy steps, but nothing online can help, it is just assumed knowledge how to install. The GRUB manuals are also not much help. Can anyone out there help me?

Torgy (New user):

I feel like a grandma, I can't do this...I'm trying to put on Ubuntu to play around with and get a feel for Linux and such, but have minimal technical computer knowledge. I currently have Windows XP on my computer, normal everything. I need to figure out how to install the GRUB bootloader in order to do the easy steps, but nothing online can help, it is just assumed knowledge how to install. The GRUB manuals are also not much help. Can anyone out there help me?

oneemcme (New user):

Hi,
I want to setup a dual boot with RedHat or Oracle Linux with Vista already installed. Will these instructions work or would using a different Linux version be a totally different process? Thanks.

kashif (New user):

where are pics to learn

PacMan020 (New user):

When I try to install XP from disc it gives BSOD.

eri (New user):

I followed instructions in loading XP on to OS with Vista already installed inserted XP CD Install screen came on clicked Install this message came up "this program is blocked due to compatibility issues" because the OS on Computer is newer than XP How do I get past this

eri (New user):

I followed instructions in loading XP on to OS with Vista already installed inserted XP CD Install screen came on clicked Install this message came up "this program is blocked due to compatibility issues" because the OS on Computer is newer than XP How do I get past this

eri (New user):

I followed instructions in loading XP on to OS with Vista already installed inserted XP CD Install screen came on clicked Install this message came up "this program is blocked due to compatibility issues" because the OS on Computer is newer than XP How do I get past this

eagan53 (New user):

Hey guys- can you possibly do a page on how to dual-boot windows 7 and vista (Windows 7 installed first) ?

eagan53 (New user):

Here's my question- can you post a page on how to do dual-boot Windows 7 and Vista (Windows 7 installed first) ? that'd be fantastic.

jay99 (New user):

Please do email me @ jaysonronellramos@yahoo.com
how about installed windows 7 beta first, is there a way i could work on with xp ultimate-windows 7 beta dual boot

hannulon (New user):

Hi!

I have trying make dual-boot Windows 7 and Linux (Ubuntu 9.04) - Linux installed first - without success. You don't have such How to.. guide?
I have tried to use Vista with Linux guide, but it does not work.

Regards
Hannu Lönnroth
hannu.lonnroth@gmail.com

hannulon (New user):

Hi!

I have trying make dual-boot Windows 7 and Linux (Ubuntu 9.04) - Linux installed first - without success. You don't have such How to.. guide?
I have tried to use Vista with Linux guide, but it does not work.

Regards
Hannu Lönnroth
hannu.lonnroth@gmail.com

rupesh (New user):

pls send me notes

JerryHootGib (New user):

How to dual boot Windows XP and Windows 7 (Windows 7 installed first)?

d2leo (New user):

I have an HP pavilion that had Vista home on it. I had Ubuntu on a separate partition and dual boot using grub. I recently installed Windows 7 Ultimate over my Vista home partition and lost my grub loader any suggestions to regain my Ubuntu dual boot?

Phil

Sujith (New user):

How to create dual boot with two Windows XP OS only ?Is a specific setting available for the same.

Sujith (New user):

How to create dual boot with two Windows XP OS only ?Is a specific setting available for the same.

sobitthen (New user):

if you have a dual boot already, an XP and Vista and would like to modify that to Win7 and Vista, can the XP be over written if it is on the C: drive where the boot info is stored?

sobitthen (New user):

If I already had an XP [c:] and an Vista [e:] dual boot in place and I wanted to swap the XP for the Win7 OS would I be in danger of losing the ability to boot into Vista if I overwrote the XP install to dual boot the Win7? Sorry, didn't notice my guest comment posted as well..

Chinki ied (New user):

These seem to be pretty good guides. Good work.
Unfortunately, I am attempting to dual boot xp64 with xp{32bit}pro on the partition behing xp64.

Chinki ied (New user):

Whatdayaknow...
Just went on and installed 32bit on partition behind 64 bit and it dual boots by default...

Newbie (New user):

Hey guys great work on putting together this info...however, it seems like I'm the only person trying to multi boot with Windows 7 installed first...any information available on this? I'm looking at Win 7 XP and Linux.

kerokun (New user):

Quoting Newbie:
Hey guys great work on putting together this info...however, it seems like I'm the only person trying to multi boot with Windows 7 installed first...any information available on this? I'm looking at Win 7 XP and Linux.

I tried that last weekend. Got it working after a bit of experimentation.
here is the gist of it
1. Install Windows 7
2. Use Windows 7 Disk Management Tool to create a new partition for Windows XP. (Important! this is needed for startup repair tool to work)
3. Assign a Drive letter for the "System Reserved" partition. (Just in case)
3. Start Windows XP Install CD, when selecting partitions, check that there is a 1MB unallocated space in front of the "System Reserved" partition.If there is, you're good, leave it be.
4. reformat that newly created partition, Install XP.
5. During reboot, installation might stall and you get a "_" prompt.
Put in Windows 7 DVD and run startup repair tool. Reboot again
6. You should be able to boot into Windows 7 again. Install EasyBCD and create a entry for Windows XP.
7. Reboot. The Windows 7 Boot manager should load. Choose the Windows XP option and continue your XP Install from there.

kerokun (New user):

Quoting kerokun:
I tried that last weekend. Got it working after a bit of experimentation.
here is the gist of it
1. Install Windows 7
2. Use Windows 7 Disk Management Tool to create a new partition for Windows XP. (Important! this is needed for startup repair tool to work)
3. Assign a Drive letter for the "System Reserved" partition. (Just in case)
3. Start Windows XP Install CD, when selecting partitions, check that there is a 1MB unallocated space in front of the "System Reserved" partition.If there is, you're good, leave it be.
4. reformat that newly created partition, Install XP.
5. During reboot, installation might stall and you get a "_" prompt.
Put in Windows 7 DVD and run startup repair tool. Reboot again
6. You should be able to boot into Windows 7 again. Install EasyBCD and create a entry for Windows XP.
7. Reboot. The Windows 7 Boot manager should load. Choose the Windows XP option and continue your XP Install from there.


To install Linux, in a nutshell
1. Create a partition for Linux from Windows 7/XP
2. Install Linux onto that partition, making sure you install the Linux GRUB onto its own partition instead of overwriting the MBR.
3. Using EasyBCD in Windows 7, create an entry for Linux GRUB.
4. Upon reboot you should be able to boot into Linux.

I have more details of my experience on my blog, you might want to use it as a reference.
http://kerokun.livejournal.com/20665.html

Hope this helps.

bharathreddy (New user):

Hi all!
I've written an elaborate post on setting up dual/triple boot with windows7 and vista (or also XP). The blog also explains how to edit the boot menu options thereafter. Please see
http://bharathreddyt.wordpress.com/2009/08/17/install-windows-7-on-a-vista-laptop/

lauri emery (New user):

I have a hard from an old laptop that had a bad keyboard. It has all my software on it including windows XP. I have the external box that connects it w/ a usb. I know that it is a simple process. how can I find out how, so I can use my XP compatable software?
thanks!

dougallen (New user):

Any help, howcan IU boot XP from an existing drive from an older PC (fubar) on an Vista 64 bit machine?

jaeden Bailey (New user):

how do I get my vista premium back, as I lost my installation disc so I used a vista home basic disc to get my computer to run after it had crashed?

bouncemaker (New user):

How about a tri-boot? Vista/Win7/Linux??? Anyone write a guide on that?

Steve007 (New user):

Any chance of a "how to dual boot" Windows 7 with Linux (Linux installed first)?
Would this be any different than Vista with Linux (Linux installed first)?

phillw (New user):

Thanks for the updates - I send people to this site for all things to do with dual booting.

Phill.

pavsid (New user):

Is there a guide on how to tri-boot vista, 7 and linux?! I can access all three but first comes the grub bootmenu and then comes the windows boot menu - how can you get it so there's only one?

pavsid (New user):

Is there a guide on how to tri-boot vista, 7 and linux?! I can access all three but first comes the grub bootmenu and then comes the windows boot menu - how can you get it so there's only one?

Geoff Axford (New user):

How about "how to dual boot windows 7 (installed first) & linux (or win2k?)"

Having just bought a laptop with win7 pre-installed I am desperate to get back to either linux or w2k-pro as I find that the W7 home premium is the most dumbed down version they have ever brought out!
HELP!!!!!

PainKillerBob (New user):

Here's one more I could use: How to dual boot Windows XP and Windows 7 (Windows 7 installed first).

cragtom (New user):

If I over wright vista with 7 can I still duel-boot wubi ubuntu like I can with vista on startup

philippemorin123 (New user):

How about Ubuntu 9.10 and Windows 7? (Ubuntu 9.10 first) Please!

useless (New user):

3 Operating System on a 320 GB Hdd.

Make 3 partitions 1st 60GB for windows xp, 2ND 60GB for windows7, 3rd for Windows7 Image Backup, from here can restore all 3 operating System as 1 image, using Windows7 Backup system.

Install Xp first, than Windows7, than install Linux Ubuntu 9.10 into Windows xp.

Using Win Xp for Video and Photo editing.
Windows7 for Multimedia center tv system backup (alternative external drive)
Ubuntu 9.10 for web surfing Skype all e-mails and and lots more

Daren (New user):

Portlock Leap Frog does this all pretty well, automatically, no hassles at all. Its worth a look, if you do not like trying to configure your computer or worried about messing up the boot environment.

http://www.portlock.com/products/leap_frog/

ms7165 (New user):

How about dual booting with a PC loaded with Windows 7 first, with XP Pro as a second install?

Geoff Axford (New user):

Could not agree more!!!!!
The perfect solution for me too!!! Quoting ms7165:
Could not agree more!!!!!
The perfect solution for me too!!!

POOLAK (New user):

Hi, can you help me on dual-booting Fedora 11 with windows 7 already installed?
Thank you.

R.Islam

Fordorth (New user):

I have a xp install on my 250g desktop hard drive and a vista install on my 250g laptop hard drive that i put in my desktop because the laptop got spilled on and shorted out and it is going to cost to much to fix it. I want to boot to the vista install as well as my xp install because I have betas for microsoft office and visual studio on my xp which is slightly unstable due to a virus i had a couple months ago and the vista install is almost brand new. I have been searching all day for a way to duel boot to already installed versions of windows but all I have been able to find is ones for installing new versions of windows which I cant do because I do not have a vista CD and my CD player is really old and only works when it wants to so i can not chance formatting and not being able to reinstall. The Vista instalation was a preinstallation... The XP installation was installed from a disk before I gave my working DVD drive to my grandmother in the computer I built her when hers got stolen. Any help would be nice thnx. BTW I do not have the money to ask microsoft for help.

SNEECE (New user):

What about Windows 7 and RHE Linux (5.2) with Windows 7 (ultimate) installed first?

sonofcops (New user):

What about dual boot Xp and Windows 7 with windows 7 installed first

Guste (New user):

and what is if in my computer is Linux, but I need to instal Windows 7????? could you help me, please?

Guste (New user):

what if in my new computer is Linux, but I need to instal Windows 7?? it's possible? how?

stevewhite (New user):

Where is the Linux with Windows 7 guide? Or is it the same as Windows XP?

Ewan (New user):

Hi All

Having followed step 2 and created another partition on my Sony Vaio VGN-NS20E, I'm now get a "blue screen of death" when XP has loaded all the setup files The error message (stop 0x0000007B) suggest a boot-sector virus. I have of course checked Vista for a boot-sector virus and found none. Does anyone have any suggestions how to over come this?

Many thanks and Happy New Year

bosonichadron (New user):

So How do I dual boot Windows 7 and Linux (Ubuntu 9.10) with Windows 7 installed first???

Theo Tulley (New user):

I've just installed LinuxMint-8 with Window-7 - new laptop with Win-7 installed first. I'm having problems with accessing the Windows system data files.

Loulou (New user):

How about windows 7 and ubuntu?

prash (New user):

can anyone help me with triple boot?
i have vista home basic 32 bit on c drive curently
i wish to have windows 7 64 bit on drive d
and linux ubuntu 9.10 64 bit on the last partition of my hdd
i dont wanna use grub....easy bcd wud b best...and the aimed configuration shud be such that my vista instaln on c shud be the main one..

raghav (New user):

want to run windows 7 with windows xp. With windows 7 installed first

MR. KERN (New user):

How to dual boot windows 7 on C: drive and Linux (ubuntu) on D:
Both OS work fine if I manualy plug and un plug.
Is there any easy way to select a drive on start up?

Theo Tulley (New user):

Please can we have advice about installing LinuxMint-8 with Win-7 installed first?
Mine is installed and works but I'm using the Windows partition for data at /OS/users/theo/My Documents (copied in Linux from backup via external USB drive) and these are seen in Linux, but My Documents appears empty in Windows. I have added some files there; they don't appear in Linux. However My Pictures is fully present in both! So is the imported-from-backup Downloads.
Windows doesn't show any Ext2 or Ext3 partitions.
I installed Ext2IFS-1-11a and later Ext2FSD-0.48 - neither of these yet claims compatibility with Win-7; the latter crashed the system and neither currently appears among installed programs in the Control Panel.
I have had a lot of trouble with the Windows system - I suspect resulting from Registry problems - frequently chkdsk runs and corrects these. At this early stage there are frequent updates requiring re-boot: normally I prefer to hibernate.
I want all my data to be accessible in either system. Open Office and Firefox are installed in both. I hope you can help!

Yours hopefully,



Theo Tulley.

Using LinuxMint-8 and Windows-7 with Pentium Dual Core 64-bit 2.2 GHz cpu, 4GB RAM and 500 GB HD

WB (New user):

Does someone has a description how to dual boot Windows 7 and Linux (Windows 7 installed first)?

Theo Tulley (New user):

First it is necessary to create one or more partitions for Linux: recommended are one for /, one for swap (not less than equal to RAM - I would now say double) and one for /home. A program to do this is included in the installation program in an .iso CD.
These could be on another disk but in a laptop I wanted both systems on the internal disk.
I used Windows Disk Manager to "shrink" the Windows partition, and was careful to leave over 40 GB unused there. Both systems work, but with the limitations describede in my post above.
Hoping that this helps -
Yours sincerely,



Theo Tulley.

Fellow Netsurfer (New user):

Is there a guide for a dual boot Windows 7 and Windows XP where Windows 7 was installed first? Some programs do not run on Windows 7 and would be nice to switch to XP at any time to run them.

sonny.dunaway (New user):

Linux and Windows 7?

sonny.dunaway (New user):

Linux and Windows 7?

sonny.dunaway (New user):

How about Linux with Windows 7?

sonny.dunaway (New user):

Sorry about the duplication, there 8>)

MartyB (New user):

Is there a tutorial for How to dual-boot Windows 7 with Linux (7 installed first)?

aseem (New user):

what bout win7 + linux???

aseem (New user):

what bout win7 + linux???

louderthanwords (New user):

HOW TO DUAL BOOT XP & UBUNTU (VISTA INSTALLED FIRST)???

pcguy999 (New user):

hey guys , i have xp pro 32bit on my drive , i've 3 partitions xp on c:
2 partition is d:20gb and 3partition is e: 370gb this where i store all my files. so lately i've thinking to install win7 64bit on d: partition.
how do i do that , can not just install win 7 on d: and computer let me select on start up which os to run, or do i need any special programs installed to have to os on same computer?

Barbara W (New user):

What about How to dual boot Windows 7 64 bit and Windows 7 32 bit (Windows 7 64 bit installed first)?

SFoulk (New user):

Where is the Windows 7 and Linux dual boot?

SFoulk (New user):

So where is the Windows 7 and Linux dual boot instructions?

thomas ng (New user):

Hi, If I got vista 64 bit and I wish to do this "dual booting" can this be possible done? and what would be the risk?

thomas ng (New user):

hello,

I got a question here...........I got installed vista 64 bits and I wish to dual boot this O/S with windows XP can I do this and what will be the risk? and also If I wish to install windows 7 64 bits and windows xp will these combos compatible and what would be the risk??

thank you

orrell (New user):

can any 1 help would like to duel boot with windows 7 and xp but i have windows 7 installed first

S_Linux (New user):

Is it possible to have Windows 7 (installed first) and Linux next to it?

Art13 (New user):

I need to dual boot Windows 7 Pro & Linux (Windows installed first). I'm about to try it. - Art

TG79 (New user):

What about dual-booting Windows 7 (pre-installed, so naturally first) and Windows XP? Half of my older software won't install on Windows 7.

djwindle (New user):

Lots of stuff here, but what I don't see is how to dual-boot Linux and Windows 7. Is this possible?

Robert Nelson (New user):

I just purchased a new laptop (HP G71-340US) and would like to dual boot Linux. Can this be done without uninstalling Windows 7?

TechyTru (New user):

yes, you do not have to uninstall windows to dual boot. Go here and download dual boot soft: http://www.proaudiosoft.com

TechyTru (New user):

You can set up dual boot totally with the first operating system already installed. the easiest way to do this is with software that makes it a few clicks away. Goto http://www.proaudiosoft.com and download their Easy Dual Boot Software. I can personally attest that it is the best thing since sliced bread. Its so easy my grandma could do it, lol. But no, you dont have to uninstall anything to setup dual booting windows 7, xp, vista, at any combination with this fantastic tool. Once in a great while you find something great to keep in your arsenal, and to me this is def one of those.

TechyTru (New user):

Once in a while you run into a utility that stands above the rest and is just great. Well easy dual boot is that for me, get your system to dual boot with a few clicks, and makes it just easy.

TechyTru (New user):

proaudiosoft.com cheack out easy dual boot, its just awesome.

Geoff Axford (New user):

Anything on XP with W7 installed first?

Bigherb (New user):

I don't see one with Windows 7 installed first?

Bigherb (New user):

How do you remove linux distro ia a windows 7 dual boot?

Greg Zeng (New user):

Want to dual boot UBUNTU & PCLINUX OS. How? Already dual booting Win7 & PCLOS. Now to add UBUNTU as well.

Everything passes through GRUB. All data is stored on Win7-NTFS, not Linux NTFS-3G.

Greg Zeng, Canberra.

Marsha (New user):

PLEASE let us know when you have a step-by-step dual boot of Windows 7/Fedora 13 Linux. I've tried and, so far, have been unsuccessful.

Samim (New user):

I have Windows 7 installed first. Want to dual boot with XP. Please help. syedsamim@gmail.com

bluebikespin (New user):

you dont have any choice for when System 7 is already installed first and want to add Windows XP. What's up?

sndgrss (New user):

How to dual-boot Windows 7 and Linux, with Windows 7 installed first?

sndgrss (New user):

How to dual boot Windows 7 and Linux, with Windows 7 installed first?

linc68 (New user):

how do you dual boot xp with 7 installed first

KK (New user):

HI,
CAN WE MAKE A DUAL BOOT OF "WINDOWS 7" AND XP (WITH "WINDOWS 7" INSTALLED FIRST (HOST))

Samim (New user):

Download and install vmware player. You can install any OS with any OS installed first. I have Windows 7 Ultimate and I can now run Windows XP after installing vmware

KK (New user):

I am already using vmware on my system dude. i tried to make dual boot of win7 and xp, but it is not allowing me to do that...

sarath antony (New user):

my default OS was genuine windows7.later i installed redhat linux ver.5 . now my problem is,system is booting directly to linux. how can i change my default OS to windows 7 or i need a choice which OS is to be booted.

syedasifraza (New user):

Hi,

I have been trying to buildup my laptop with dual boot options between Windows7 and Ubuntu Linux. It seems that it works fine for some days and then my laptop crashes. No idea what is happening and how it is happening.

Please help me to setup both.

Mohzus (New user):

I have two hard drives and am having trouble on how to partition them when doing a clean install of Ubuntu. It seems like everything is installed correctly, but when I restart the PC it just goes to a black screen with the flashing line to type but cannot type anything. Any advice??

Mike33 (New user):

I need to know how to dual boot windows 7 and xp with windows 7 installed firt. Can any one help me with this?

GordonTruesdale (New user):

hi,
I just 'upgraded my dual boot Suse10/Vista with Linux Mint. Mint and Suse both work, but Vista goes into recovery mode and just freezes. I can see the windows files in Mint, and even open my OO files. The Mint installer told me :) that it was just overwriting part of the Suse install, but the boot system (GRUB?) looks different. I am a gui guy, but don't mind cut and pasting into the terminal. any help would be greatly appreciated as all my files for the students are in Vista (also can't get Smart Technologies Notebook running in Linux)
I have a Toshiba Sattelite 320G, 3G
Thanks

GordonTruesdale (New user):

hi,
I just 'upgraded my dual boot Suse10/Vista with Linux Mint. Mint and Suse both work, but Vista goes into recovery mode and just freezes. I can see the windows files in Mint, and even open my OO files. The Mint installer told me :) that it was just overwriting part of the Suse install, but the boot system (GRUB?) looks different. I am a gui guy, but don't mind cut and pasting into the terminal. any help would be greatly appreciated as all my files for the students are in Vista (also can't get Smart Technologies Notebook running in Linux)
I have a Toshiba Sattelite 320G, 3G
Thanks

fuv (New user):

HI, I'm new here. I was looking for ways to multiboot Windows 7, XP and ubuntu with windows 7 installed first.

As I don't ee that guide, I'm now asking if it is available and where.

tanoge (New user):

thanks

tanoge (New user):

thanks

Army of One (New user):

Is there any place were I can find dual booting Windows 7 with Linux?

buu (New user):

all,
I don't see the instruction for Linux & Windows 7. Please help, thanks.

bev hay (New user):

Do you have a How to dual boot XP & W7 with W& installed first

Scootty83 (New user):

How about a dual boot of Windows 7 Pro and Ubuntu 10.10 on two different HDD? (either one installed first)

deltaexplorer (New user):

How about Ubuntu and Windows 7 64 bit with Linux installed first ?

drofdesign (New user):

I'm glad I found this information. Now if someone can tell me if I can set up a dual boot with Win 7 32bit and Win 7 64bit.

D.John (New user):

? How to:- Windows XP pro 32bit and Windows 7 pro 64bit (Windows 7 installed first)

Rebus (New user):

A rather common upgrade need is to add Win7 64bit to an existing Win7 32bit installation, such as after expanding RAM to 4GB or more and wanting to gradually migrate software over to a 64bit OS.

komatsus100 (New user):

I want to duel boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu 10:10 with Windows 7 installed first, and I don't see that listing.
Ron Allen

dekajoly (New user):

How do you dual boot Linux with windows 7 having been installed first?

GDC (New user):

Will Linux first dual boot to XP work the same with Linux dual boot to windows 7 ?? GDC

Michael Crane (New user):

None of the pages above refer to (Windows 7 installed first). I have just purchased a new PC operating Windows 7 64 bit and I have a lot of essential software that will not run on W7. I am considering a dual operating system but if your 'definitive' is as definitive as you claim it looks as if it isn't possible. Am I correct?

bhasu (New user):

i have windows xp in my pc and i installed windows server 2008 and after installin 2008 server i am unable to boot windows xp.but again i repaired and did fixboot and fixmbr and after doing this i am unable to boot windows 2008.is there any solution to boot from both os ?.if there are multiple os then we will get one boot menu where it asks to boot from which os so can we get it ?.and also i want to install linux in my pc.so can we boot xp,2008 and linux in same pc ?.it will show multiple os boot menu or not ?.kindly sugest any sollution please

bhasu (New user):

i have windows xp in my pc and i installed windows server 2008 and after installin 2008 server i am unable to boot windows xp.but again i repaired and did fixboot and fixmbr and after doing this i am unable to boot windows 2008.is there any solution to boot from both os ?.if there are multiple os then we will get one boot menu where it asks to boot from which os so can we get it ?.and also i want to install linux in my pc.so can we boot xp,2008 and linux in same pc ?.it will show multiple os boot menu or not ?.kindly sugest any sollution please

Mr_Bones757 (New user):

can some one tell me how to dual boot XP with windows 7 (windows 7 installed FIRST). i have a laptop that has Win home premium 64 bit on it and i have got a spare partition for windows XP to be placed on (60GB.) I have been searching all over the internet but everything i have come across seems weird - can any one help?

bhasu (New user):

hi dude contact me and ask me for your doubts..bhaskar.atp.007@gmail.com

D.John (New user):

Hi are you winning. Have you checked out sevenforums.com for 7 installed first. I am getting revved up to install XP pro x32 and XP pro x64bit along side win7 x64 OEM (Dell). I guess the random cockup generator will seize the opertunity, (also available as a free download). Im new to multiboot set ups and wonder, easyBCD or Acronis OS selector,thats part of Acronis disc director home. (1)Backup (2)what was 2
Good luck

bhasu (New user):

dear friend u please send my mail dont reply here ok..bhaskar.atp.007@gmail.com and send me ur doubt in mail i wil reply u ok

D.John (New user):

How to dual boot xp and Win7---Windows 7 installed first.
(microsoft sent me these links)

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/8790/dual-boot-your-pre-installed-windows-7-computer-with-xp/

Have fun
Dom

bhasu (New user):

HELLO DEAR FRIENDS WITHOUT VIRTUALIZATION ALSO WE CAN USE WINDOWS 7,WINDOWS XP,WINDOWS 2008 AND LINUX OPERATING SYSTEM'S NORMALLY WITH ONE USEFUL SOFTWARE CALLED "EASY BCD" JUST GOTO http://neosmart.net AND DOWNLOAD IT AND ENJOY..FOR FURTHER DOUBTS CONTACT ME AT bhaskar.atp.007@gmail.com

bhasu (New user):

HELLO DEAR FRIENDS WITHOUT VIRTUALIZATION ALSO WE CAN USE WINDOWS 7,WINDOWS XP,WINDOWS 2008 AND LINUX OPERATING SYSTEM'S NORMALLY WITH ONE USEFUL SOFTWARE CALLED "EASY BCD" JUST GOTO http://neosmart.net AND DOWNLOAD IT AND ENJOY..FOR FURTHER DOUBTS CONTACT ME AT bhaskar.atp.007@gmail.com

jflash (New user):

How do you install Windows 7 and Ubuntu 10.10?

bhasu (New user):

ask your doubt clearly..you want to install ubuntu first or win 7 ?.email me.. i wil tell u..bhaskar.atp.007@gmail.com

jflash (New user):

How do you install Windows 7 and Ubuntu 10.10?

Mr_Bones757 (New user):

Ok. Hi guys, it me again. As you know, I have windows 7 pre installed on my Qosmio F60 - 00y and want to install XP. I was given these links that tell me how to install windows XP as a secondary OS. The original message read:

D.John wrote:
How to dual boot XP and Win7 - Windows 7 installed first.
(Microsoft sent me these links)
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/8790/dual-boot-your-pre-installed-windows-7-computer-with-xp/

Have fun
Dom

I have a 60GB partition formatted to the correct file system for XP. But this is not the problem. When I boot form the my windows XP home premium CD, It appears to work and loads all of the stuff it does (drivers for the install etc). However, when you would normally choose where to install ir and when it asks you to format the drive, it comes up and says (this is everything that was on the blue screen) :

A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer

If this is the first time you have seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps
Check for viruses on your computer
Remove and newly installed hard drives or hard drive controllers.
Check your hard drive to make sure it is properly configured and terminated.

Run CHKDSK /F to check for Hard drive corruption, and then restart your computer.

Tech info

Stop: 0x0000007B (0xF78D2524,0xC0000034,0x00000000,0x00000000)

I definitely have no viruses and have scanned with Trend Micro 2011, Microsoft security essentials and windows defender. There are no new HDD controllers as all of the core software and ALL of the hardware has remained untouched. I have checked my disk and nothing was found.

I have also searched all of the tech codes, this shed no light either.

Can anyone help??
Thanks in advance.

bhasu (New user):

you got any soulution or not ? ok mail me bhaskar.atp.007@gmail.com

Mr_Bones757 (New user):

can i send any one an email regrading help with dual booting windows 7 (preinstalled on a laptop) with windows XP as a am having some problems. I would post it here but there was naerly a page worth so it wouldnt let me :(

Mr_Bones757 (New user):

can i send any one an email regrading help with dual booting windows 7 (preinstalled on a laptop) with windows XP as a am having some problems. I would post it here but there was naerly a page worth so it wouldnt let me :(

Mr_Bones757 (New user):

Hi, i was wondering if some one could help me with my intensions to dual boot my Windows 7 laptop with XP. I would post it here but the comment is too long, about a page typed XD. so if anyone is willing to help me, please email me - mrabjones@hotmail.com

myway (New user):

I installed chromium OS on 2nd partion.
first partition win 7 how do i setup EasyBCD to DUAK boot?
Vip Joshi
callin5@yahoo.com

Ankit jain (New user):

plz tell me is it okay to run windows XP, windows 7 and red hat simultaneously in one laptop.
i'm using core2duo, HD320GB, RAM 2GB

NEw (New user):

I have now Window 7 on my system now I want to install Red Hat Linux on my system. please tell me how can I install Red hat on my system

Crom4 (New user):

ive seen dual booting for everything but windows 7 installed first. Dual boot my computer with win xp the main OS i have right now is windows 7 36 bit can i make a dual boot on it with windows xp? if so which page or any link to how i can do this
thanks

Crom4 (New user):

ive seen dual booting for everything but windows 7 installed first. Dual boot my computer with win xp the main OS i have right now is windows 7 36 bit can i make a dual boot on it with windows xp? if so which page or any link to how i can do this
thanks

klee (New user):

How do I do a dual boot with windows 7 and linux with 7 installed first? I have 1.5 TB on my hard drive. (1.3 available.) Thanks!

prince140986 (New user):

can you suggest how to load windows xp in laptop compatible with windows 7?

kajannis (New user):

How about Windows 7 and Linux (Win 7 installed first and having the win boot mannager come up)?

Walter Price (New user):

where is how to duel boot Linux and windows 7?

mediasoundtrack.com (New user):

and how to install 2 win 7 on the same computer on dual boot please?
is it the same as page 7?

thx

i am a musician and want to have a clean, isolated os (no internet, no printer, nothing) and the other one for normal use

mediasoundtrack.com (New user):

and how to install 2 win 7 on the same computer on dual boot please?
is it the same as page 7?

thx

i am a musician and want to have a clean, isolated os (no internet, no printer, nothing) and the other one for normal use.i am currently having this configuration with win 7+win xp

udaykantheti (New user):

i need for ubuntu/redhat (windows7 installed first)....
plz reply asap
thank you!!!

Laran (New user):

what about dual booting Windows 7 with Linux?

javad (New user):

how about window 7 and linux

Nivek (New user):

HOw to dual boot with windows seven installed first? I want to use linux or xp. Regards

swathi (New user):

how to dual boot windows7 and then redhatlinux5 is it posible

VisR (New user):

I'd like to install Linux on Windows Seven(already intalled), any suggestions?

VisR (New user):

I'd like to install linux on Seven already intalled. Any advices?

Peter_B (New user):

Excellent articles - Much appreciated.

Is there any difference in the instructions between installing either Vista or Windows 7 first and then dual booting Ubuntu as the 2nd OS?

Thanks.

Ahamed Raf (New user):

Sir can you tell me how to install Window 7 Professional and Windows 7 home premium (Windows 7 home premium installed first)

Papa Hansi (New user):

Where does Windows 7 install its dual boot program?

jasim (New user):

do i need system reserved parition for dual booting windos with linux

javad (New user):

How to dual boot window 7 with linux ( window 7 installed first)

javad (New user):

How to dual boot window 7 with linux (window 7 64 bit first)

ritay9626 (New user):

How to dual boot Windows 7 and Windows XP Windows 7 installed first) ,would be handy.