Vista Install

[Geoffw]

Just a suggestion if you want to retain XP when installing Vista.

(for advanced users only)

Many motherboards have the option in bios to set the boot drive, set the
bios to boot to a different (empty) physical hdd and install Vista to the
newly selected drive. Once installed it is a simple operation to change to
or from Vista/XP in your bios at boot time.

Initially I physically disconnected my XP drive just to be certain it wasn't
affected by the Vista install.

The only downside I have found is that you do lose your system restore
points in Vista ( as in dual boot systems).

 

[jonah]

Just a suggestion if you want to retain XP when installing Vista.

(for advanced users only)

Many motherboards have the option in bios to set the boot drive, set the
bios to boot to a different (empty) physical hdd and install Vista to the
newly selected drive. Once installed it is a simple operation to change to
or from Vista/XP in your bios at boot time.

Initially I physically disconnected my XP drive just to be certain it wasn't
affected by the Vista install.

The only downside I have found is that you do lose your system restore
points in Vista ( as in dual boot systems).

Yeah I tried the BIOS route but found its actually far quicker to just
switch hardware plugs. By the time I have gone through BIOS, changed
settings, saved, re-booted etc, etc I can have Vista / XP running. I
am using a old HP desktop PC which make swapping hardware particularly
easy. I hasten to add the HP Hardware that came with it is long since
binned and it is heavilly modded to accept the latest PSUs and boards.

Probably a good idea if access to the box is a pain in the bum though.

Jonah