Install two operating systems on one hard drive

330d

Is there anyway to install two operating systems on one hard drive WITHOUT having to format and partition the hard drive?

I currently have windows 7 but would also like xp.

S0litaire

the only way to do it without repartitioning is to use
"Virtual PC" It's avalible form Microsoft's website.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/default.aspx

gaming_guy

............

googler

imr4n wrote: »

I currently have windows 7 but would also like xp.

Wasn't one of the big selling points of 7 that it had an XP 'virtual machine' embedded, and would happily run 'all your older programs' ....???

Avoriaz

S0litaire wrote: »

the only way to do it without repartitioning is to use
"Virtual PC" It's avalible form Microsoft's website.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/default.aspx

I have Windows7 Home Premium.

That link suggests that I would need Professional or Ultimate, unless I am misunderstanding.

Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC, available on Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate,

stonej

Try this, its a bit long winded but it will get you XP Mode on Windows 7 Home
search on google for this : windows 7 home premium windows xp mode and follow the first link !!

GeoffX

http://www.virtualbox.org/ is excellent, open source (mostly), regularly updated and free. You're correct, XP mode won't work with Windows 7 Home Premium - without a hack. VirtualBox is better.

tronator

imr4n wrote: »

Is there anyway to install two operating systems on one hard drive WITHOUT having to format and partition the hard drive?

I currently have windows 7 but would also like xp.

It's possible, but you'll need a third party boot manager for it. I did it a few years ago and used Partition Magic Bootmagic for it.

Both Windows need to be installed in a primary partition. The boot manager makes then one partition active and hides the other one. No idea what products are on the market now which can do this though. Google is your friend...

robredz

GeoffX wrote: »

http://www.virtualbox.org/ is excellent, open source (mostly), regularly updated and free. You're correct, XP mode won't work with Windows 7 Home Premium - without a hack. VirtualBox is better.

It is unless you plan on some heavy gaming, and virtualbox is a better solution than MS Virtual PC

Richie-from-the-Boro

imr4n wrote: »

Is there anyway to install two operating systems on one hard drive WITHOUT having to format and partition the hard drive?

I currently have windows 7 but would also like xp.

- it's not answering your specific question, but is uncomplicated / fast / cheap / and you should coinsider it

Just get another hard drive and use the BIOS to boot into it = rock solid - sorted ! :idea:

You could have 4 operating systems on 4 different drives or whatever .. .. .. !

Laz123

Or you could partition your hd with W7 already on it and dual boot with xp http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/forums/index.cfm?action=showthread&threadid=382450&forumid=1