Dual Boot: Vista x64 and XP?

[Clash Perez]

I currently have XP installed on my desktop, but I'm quite interested in Vista x64, mostly for the extra RAM option, and the idea of learning the ins and outs of Vista.

I've got nVidia components, and, after hearing about all of the horror stories of people trying to get FFXI running with Vista, let alone with Vista x64, I'm anxious about upgrading without having an easy fall-back. I'm holding a Proto-Omega set among other things, and I don't want to miss events because of this.

So, my question is this: Is it possible to install Vista x64 on a second hard drive, and set it up to dual-boot?

Also, would there be any problems with having an x86 and an x64 OS on the same machine?

Thanks.

[Amele]

I currently have XP installed on my desktop, but I'm quite interested in Vista x64, mostly for the extra RAM option, and the idea of learning the ins and outs of Vista.

I've got nVidia components, and, after hearing about all of the horror stories of people trying to get FFXI running with Vista, let alone with Vista x64, I'm anxious about upgrading without having an easy fall-back. I'm holding a Proto-Omega set among other things, and I don't want to miss events because of this.

So, my question is this: Is it possible to install Vista x64 on a second hard drive, and set it up to dual-boot?

Also, would there be any problems with having an x86 and an x64 OS on the same machine?

Thanks.

no. it's pretty easy- there's a large number of explanations floating around online.

google is your friend. (basically you'll need a modified boot.ini - similar to the one they distributed when vista was in open beta; you can find online via a dual boot walkthrough.)

I've had no issues with nVidia hardware; just use SP1 vista and up to date nVidia drivers (not MS drivers).

[Kohan]

So, my question is this: Is it possible to install Vista x64 on a second hard drive, and set it up to dual-boot?

Also, would there be any problems with having an x86 and an x64 OS on the same machine?

Yes, you can definitely install Vista on another HDD (or partition). There are a few other threads around here involving Vista where I posted some of the problems with it, however; I certainly would not recommend using Vista x64 over, say, XP x64 (which is what I use). I am on a dual-boot system myself, utilizing x86 for work applications and hardware, and x64 for everything else.

If you're determined to use Vista though, then just prepare another partition or HDD and install on that normally. Windows will detect the other OS prior to installation and automatically create the dual-boot loading screen for you (where you can select which OS to run). Also, be sure to download all the drivers and software you'll need under XP so you'll have them in advance for Vista.

[Clash Perez]

Thanks for the replies.

I've purchased a HD and Vista x64, I'll necro this thread if I come across any problems google can't solve.