Dual Boot Computer

[dmerger]

I have a new computer running 64-bit Vista.   I want to create a dual boot system with 32-bit XP Pro.  I will use XP rarely, but will need it occasionally.  I plan to put Vista and XP on separate hard drives.  I’ll mount the Vista hard drive in a mobile rack and, when I need to boot from XP, I’ll remove the Vista hard drive and insert the XP hard drive.   Anyone see any problems with my plan?

[feppe]

I have a new computer running 64-bit Vista.   I want to create a dual boot system with 32-bit XP Pro.  I will use XP rarely, but will need it occasionally.  I plan to put Vista and XP on separate hard drives.  I’ll mount the Vista hard drive in a mobile rack and, when I need to boot from XP, I’ll remove the Vista hard drive and insert the XP hard drive.   Anyone see any problems with my plan?

What's the reason for having them on separate HDDs? HDDs don't store well idle, although that's mainly anecdotal evidence. Wouldn't it be easier to partition the HDD in two, probably keeping the XP partition very small if you rarely use it.

Also, depending on what you need the XP for, you might get away using Vista - I'd test out the soft/hardware with Vista before going through the hassle of setting upa dual booth system.

[dmerger]

I planned to use separate hard drives because I have extra unused hard drives and it appeared easier to use a separate hard drive.  I found what appeared to be a good article on using partitions, but the process appeared to be a little daunting to me.  http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_vista_and_xp_with_vista_installed_first__the_stepbystep_guide.htm

I need XP to run my Minolta 5400 scanner.  I tried running it using Vista normally and with Compatibility Mode but it won't work.  I can't find a compatible driver.

[John.Murray]

Dual Booting Vista/Win7 with XP is a little bit tricky.  Windows now uses BCD (boot configuration data) to control boot behavior and to remove dependance on MBR devices, now properly supporting EFI.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Vista_startup_process

Here's a nice BCD editing uitlity:

http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1

Finally:  I believe the Minolta has a USB interface?  You might consider upgrading to Windows 7, which supports running Windows XP in a VM (virtual machine) with full USB support.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/

[dmerger]

John, boot configuration and other potential complications led me to consider my plan for separate hard drives for Vista and XP.  So far, I haven't read any reason not to go with my plan, other than feppe's comment about possible drive failure, which doesn't concern me.  I’ve used separate back-up hard drives for several years without problems even though the back-ups are rarely used.  Also, even if my XP hard drive failed, it would be easy to replace it since it will have very little installed on it other than XP, Photoshop and my scanner driver and software. 

Yes, my Minolta has both a USB and a firewire interface.  However, Windows 7 is not a good option for me.  See the prior discussion here.  http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=44072.0

[mmurph]

When I upgraded my Photoshop computer to Win 7, I just shoved a new drive in the computer and unplugged the old one.  Useful, as I had forgotten that I needed certain files for a client, etc.

If you have room in the computer, physically swapping drives by power cable, etc. is OK for occassional use. As is booting from an external drive when needed.

In my case the driver was to not disturb a working system during an upgrade. But that might also apply to you inn reverse - if it is already working ....

Good luck.
Michael

[tsjanik]

It's not necessary to have a dual boot system to run Dimage scan software, it will operate in Vista. I have a Minolta 5400 ( and a Nikon 9000, similar fix)) running on Win 7 (64) and before that on Vista (64) by following the instructions here:
http://www.fixya.com/support/t872019-minolta_dimage_scan_elite_5400_vista

[Raw shooter]

I have a new computer running 64-bit Vista.   I want to create a dual boot system with 32-bit XP Pro.  I will use XP rarely, but will need it occasionally.  I plan to put Vista and XP on separate hard drives.  I’ll mount the Vista hard drive in a mobile rack and, when I need to boot from XP, I’ll remove the Vista hard drive and insert the XP hard drive.   Anyone see any problems with my plan?

Yes, your plan is best.  Dual booting from your Vista 64 drive can cause problems - that are totally eliminated if you stick with your plan.  The Master Boot Record on your Vista 64 is far better not being part of your WinXP install.
I would let the drives and OS installs be totally separate.

[dmerger]

Thanks, tsjanik,  I may give it a try, but I’ve already completed my dual boot set-up as planned.  It’s working fine.  My mobile rack makes it as easy to switch hard drives as switching floppies.   I can boot from either Vista or XP very easily. 

Raw Shooter, I installed Vista and XP totally separately.  I removed my Vista hard drive, inserted my XP hard drive, and did a clean install of XP. 

[ARD]

I planned to use separate hard drives because I have extra unused hard drives and it appeared easier to use a separate hard drive.  I found what appeared to be a good article on using partitions, but the process appeared to be a little daunting to me.  http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_vista_and_xp_with_vista_installed_first__the_stepbystep_guide.htm

I need XP to run my Minolta 5400 scanner.  I tried running it using Vista normally and with Compatibility Mode but it won't work.  I can't find a compatible driver.

This is a really good program, it got my scanner working on Windows 7

http://www.hamrick.com/

[optofonik]

I have done the same thing with my workstation. One removable drive for Video/photo work and another for audio editing. Works with no problems.