Dual Operating Systems Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ed\(NY\)
  • Start date Start date
E

Ed\(NY\)

I understand I can have two OS - Windows Vista 32 bit & 64 bit on different
hard drives.

How would either be selected on startup?

Does anyone have this configuration working with no problems?

Thanks.
 
So long as you have a product key for 'both' the 32 bit and 64 bit versions
(you can't install both 32 bit and 64 bit using the same product key number)
then it can be done. See this link from my website:
http://vistasupport.mvps.org/install_windows_xp_on_machine_running_vista.htm

Vista creates its own boot menu so when you boot your machine you will be
give the option to boot into either the 32 bit or 64 bit operating systems.
Incidentally, as you would be installing two versions of Vista, the names on
the boot menu would be the same. After installing your dual boot system
download VistaBootPro (www.vistabootpro.org) a user friendly application
that will enable you to edit the boot menu and rename the operating systems
on the boot menu so you know which one you are opening.

--
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John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
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Thanks - makes sense.
Click to expand...


Nobody mentioned the other thing you need to run 64-bit Windows--a
64-bit processor.

If that's self-evident to you, and you have one, then my apologies for
mentioning it, but sometimes people do miss obvious points.
 
My machine is compatible with 64 bit Vista.

Also had a suggestion to use Virtual PC - what's your opinion on that?
 
Ed while Virtual PC is an option it does have limitations, probably
limitations which wouldn't suit you. When testing software I and many others
use VM software but I wouldn't use it for everyday use. Graphics, for one,
are limited to a VM driver, so you are not going to get anything like the
graphics you would get with Vista install as a dual boot or stand alone
operating system.

--
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

Ed(NY) said:
My machine is compatible with 64 bit Vista.

Also had a suggestion to use Virtual PC - what's your opinion on that?
Click to expand...
 
My machine is compatible with 64 bit Vista.
Click to expand...


Good, glad to hear it.

Also had a suggestion to use Virtual PC - what's your opinion on that?
Click to expand...


It will slow you down slightly, but it will be much easier and faster
going back and forth between operating systems.

If you plan on switching operating systems often, it's the best way to
go.

 
The OP is not proposing that he install OSes with the same
license. He wants to know if Vista 32-bit and 64-bit can
be installed in the same system.

*TimDaniels*
 
Bob Campbell said:
Of course it's possible. I am doing it. Ultimate 32 on one drive and
Ultimate 64 on another. Press F12 to choose boot drive.
Click to expand...

Have you had any problems with it? Was the installation seamless?
 
With licenses for each system there are no problems with installing in
separate partitions on either the same or different hard drives. I have
XP86, XP64, Vista86 and Vista64 installed on separate partitions on 1 drive
on one machine and Vista86 and Vista64 on another. Allow daylight savings
time resetting on only one system.
 
Nice you read minds, but point taken. Most do use 'test' which implies that
they plan to use both disks with one key to see which they want or are able
to continue with. Personally, I have no problem with this approach, but it
is in violation of the US EULA if both are installed at the same time. If
they are installed on different drives there is a greater chance of needing
to lie on an activation of the second copy, but that seems to bother fewer
posters as integrity declines.
 
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