Vista 64 dual boot changing drive letter

[martyl]

I wish to install vista 64 on my computer that has Windows XP Pro as dual boot.

Drive C would have XP Pro
Drive G Vista 64.
But when you boot vista it calls changes drive G and calls it drive C.
Can this be stopped or can I install windows XP and Vista 64 to the same
drive?

 

[John Barnett MVP]

That is the normal procedure. When you are using XP the drive is C: when you
use Vista the drive is C: The other problem, of course, with dual booting XP
and Vista is that, whenever you boot to XP, all of your system restore and
shadow copy points in Vista are deleted. This is a known problem that is not
going to be rectified.

Personally, I run XP on virtual machine software (VMware workstation,
although this software can be expensive.) Alternatively give Microsoft's VPC
2007 virtual software a try (still free as far as I know). there are
limitations to virtual machines but if you just simply need XP for the odd
application that won't run on Vista then virtual machine software is an easy
option. Providing you have enough memory on you system you can also run the
two operating systems at the same time.

--
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

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..

 

[John Barnes]

Since you can't install the 64-bit system from your XP Desktop you cannot
get your drive letter to change. John's advice provides good advice and
alternatives.

 

[martyl]

Thank you john

That is the normal procedure. When you are using XP the drive is C: when you
use Vista the drive is C: The other problem, of course, with dual booting XP
and Vista is that, whenever you boot to XP, all of your system restore and
shadow copy points in Vista are deleted. This is a known problem that is not
going to be rectified.

Personally, I run XP on virtual machine software (VMware workstation,
although this software can be expensive.) Alternatively give Microsoft's VPC
2007 virtual software a try (still free as far as I know). there are
limitations to virtual machines but if you just simply need XP for the odd
application that won't run on Vista then virtual machine software is an easy
option. Providing you have enough memory on you system you can also run the
two operating systems at the same time.

--
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

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..

 

[John Barnett MVP]

You're Welcome

--
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

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..