Skip to content

TechRepublic

  • Top Products Lists
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Top Products Lists
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
  • See All Topics
  • Sponsored
  • Newsletters
  • Forums
  • Resource Library
TechRepublic Premium
Join / Sign In
Microsoft

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

By greg shultz February 7, 2007, 10:15 AM PST

Image
1
of 14

53979.png
53979.png
Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

By Greg Shultz

By Greg Shultz

Are you really excited about the prospect of experimenting with the new features in the Windows Vista operating system, but aren’t yet ready to give up your existing Windows XP installation? If so, then you may be the perfect candidate for a dual-boot configuration. With this type of configuration, you can easily experiment with Windows Vista and still use Windows XP. In other words, you get to have your cake and eat it too!

This gallery represents an abridged version of an article by the same name. You can page thru the gallery to walk the entire procedure step-by-step. If you want more detailed information, you can read the full article here or you can download it from the TechRepublic directory.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

In order to install Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP, you need to have either a second partition on your existing hard disk or a second hard disk in your system. Either way, you should have between 20 and 40 GB of available space to install Windows Vista.

If you don’t have enough available space on your existing hard disk for a second partition, then you’ll need to connect a second hard disk to your system. If you do have enough available space on your existing hard disk for a second partition, then you’ll need to obtain a partitioning software package, such as Symantec’s Norton PartitionMagic

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

Once you have your second partition or second hard disk operational, just insert your Windows Vista DVD, restart the system, and allow it to boot from the DVD. Once the DVD boots, Windows Vista’s Setup will begin loading.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

In a few moments, you’ll see a screen that prompts you to choose the regional and language options. As you can see, the default settings are for U.S. and English.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

When you’re prompted to begin the installation procedure, just click the Install Now button.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

If you just want to temporarily install Vista in a dual-boot configuration while you experiment with hardware and software compatibility and want to conserve on the number of times that you can legitimately activate your copy of Windows Vista rnbefore Microsoft locks it down, you can clear the Automatically Activate Windows check box.rn

rnWhen you do so, you can install Windows Vista and use it as you normally would in a 30-day trial installation. You can activate your license online anytime you want within that 30 days or, if you’re satisfied with compatibility, you can rnrepartition your hard disk, reinstall Vista on the main partition and activate the new installation in the process.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

If you disable the automatic activation routine, you’ll see a confirmation dialog box, which contains a harsh warning and prompts you to reconsider. However, you can just click No to continue.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

If you don’t enter in a product key, Setup doesn’t know which edition you’ve purchased and will prompt you to select one of the editions on your disk. Keep in mind that since Iu2018m working with the Ultimate edition, all versions are present.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

On the next page, you’ll see the Microsoft Software License Terms and are prompted to read through them. However, unless
you’re very curious you can just select the I Accept The License Terms check box and click Next.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

When you boot from the Windows Vista DVD, Custom (advanced) is the only available option on the Which Type Of Installation
Do You Want page—the Upgrade option is disabled. To move on, just click the Custom icon.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

On the Where Do You Want To Install Windows? page, just select your second partition or second hard drive and click Next.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

Once the installation is complete, you’ll see the Windows Boot Manager screen where you can select either Windows XP (listed as an Earlier Version of Windows) or Windows Vista. This menu will appear on the screen for 30 seconds before Windows Boot Manager launches Windows Vista.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

When you install Windows Vista without activating it for testing purposes, the operating system will keep track of your 30 day trial on the System screen.

Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

If you want to change the Default Operating System setting or adjust the amount of time that the Windows Boot Manager menu will appear on the screen, you can do so from Windows Vista’s Startup and Recovery dialog box

  • Microsoft
  • Account Information

    Share with Your Friends

    Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP

    Your email has been sent

Share: Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration along with Windows XP
Image of greg shultz
By greg shultz
My first computer was a Kaypro 16 \"luggable\" running MS-DOS 2.11 which I obtained while studying computer science in 1986. After two years, I discovered that I had a knack for writing documentation and shifted my focus over to technical writing.
  • Account Information

    Contact greg shultz

    Your message has been sent

  • |
  • See all of greg's content

TechRepublic Premium

  • TechRepublic Premium

    Power Checklist: Managing and Troubleshooting Android Devices

    The popularity of Android devices means a strategy for management and troubleshooting is crucial for employee and company success. This checklist from TechRepublic Premium can help your organization get the most out of its investment in Android devices (or that of your employees if they are using their own). From the checklist: DEVICE TROUBLESHOOTING For ...

    Published:  October 3, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  October 4, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium articles
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Hostile Workplace Prevention Policy

    A hostile work environment affects the psychological well-being of employees, which may lead to decreased productivity. Every enterprise should establish a written policy, like this one from TechRepublic Premium, and require every employee, contractor and third-party vendor to read, acknowledge and agree to comply with its principles. From the policy: FILING A COMPLAINT The company ...

    Published:  October 3, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  October 4, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium articles
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Quick Glossary: Cybersecurity Attacks

    It doesn’t matter whether your organization is a huge multinational business enterprise or a one-person operation. At some point, your computer networks and systems will be attacked by someone with criminal intent. Cybersecurity attacks, in all their various forms, are inevitable and relentless. This quick glossary from TechRepublic Premium explains the terminology behind the most ...

    Published:  October 3, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  October 4, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium articles
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Hardware Decommissioning Policy

    Every hardware device used by an organization has a finite lifespan or viable period of use, and the retirement of old gadgets and the acquisition of new ones is a part of life with technology. This policy from TechRepublic Premium provides guidelines for the appropriate removal and disposal of all technological hardware used by the ...

    Published:  October 3, 2023, 4:00 PM EDT Modified:  October 4, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT Read More See more TechRepublic Premium articles

Services

  • About Us
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Site Help & Feedback
  • FAQ
  • Advertise
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • Careers

Explore

  • Downloads
  • TechRepublic Forums
  • Meet the Team
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Resource Library
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • TechRepublic
  • TechRepublic on Twitter
  • TechRepublic on Facebook
  • TechRepublic on LinkedIn
  • TechRepublic on Flipboard
© 2023 TechnologyAdvice. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Property of TechnologyAdvice