PDA

View Full Version : Dual boot query



theBishopp
08-03-08, 20:18
Hi all,

I run XP Pro at the mo, just put a second HDD in (formatting as I type this). I am going to get Vista (purely for DX10 gaming) as I can get it for £11.75 through my employer (only Vista Business though).

I'm wondering what would be the best way to multi boot (I also intend adding Linux to the mix at a later date) - Vista on the same HDD as XP, or on the second one by itself, with Linux (probably Ubuntu) on the first HDD with XP?

Any thoughts?

GM8
08-03-08, 20:21
i have 2 drives , 1 x 160gb with visat ultimate , and 1 x 200g ( partitioned to 2 x 100g) with winxp pro and then the other is mp3s etc etc .

i just go into bios and change hd boot priority when i want to load a different one .

theBishopp
08-03-08, 20:25
The only problem with that is if I am on my pooter doing something, then want to play a game, I'd have to reboot, change boot priority, then reboot, just to go gaming. While it is pretty quick compared to my old PC, it would still be a right pain and I'd end up removing Vista pretty quick...

Is it not possible to have them on separate HDDs and have the choice of which OS you want as it boots?

GM8
08-03-08, 20:40
The only problem with that is if I am on my pooter doing something, then want to play a game, I'd have to reboot, change boot priority, then reboot, just to go gaming. While it is pretty quick compared to my old PC, it would still be a right pain and I'd end up removing Vista pretty quick...

Is it not possible to have them on separate HDDs and have the choice of which OS you want as it boots?

yes im sure it is , and something I will look into myself . i had the intention of migrating str8 to vist , but have left xp there for the time being as ive no real need to remove it. I only just installed vista a few days ago so still 'learning'

theBishopp
08-03-08, 21:01
I have found this - http://tinyurl.com/jxz7n - which should help... Looks like Vista on the second HDD, then Ubuntu sharing the first with XP...

Sl4x0r
10-03-08, 14:25
Surely Ubuntu will have a LiLo kinda thing that gives you boot options?

Vista certainly does - I'd install XP first, then Vista, then Ubuntu and fingers crossed, all the boot loaders you need should be present...

coiler
11-03-08, 10:17
I use Vista 80% of the time, when I want to play games (which run faster in XP for me) I reboot then simply press ESC on boot screen then choose other XP drive.

No need to go into Bios and waste time.