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Windows 8 Preview - installing as dual boot

  • 17-02-2012 8:58pm
    #1
    aindriu80
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,968 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    I recently tried the Windows Developer Preview a few months back when Microsoft released it. I nearly had some problems trying to uninstall it. The laptop I'm using did have a feature in the BIOS and I got safely back to Windows 7 OK but it was a close call.

    I have an external hard disk and enough hard disk space on the laptop to support a dual boot system. Can you tell me if its possible to set up a dual boot to try out the Windows 8 consumer preview thats coming out later this month ?

    Last time I had problems with drivers and loss of functionality with HP features. Being able to still boot up on Windows 7 and also get rid of Windows 8 would be a great solution

    Microsoft to host Windows 8 Consumer Preview on Feb. 29

    Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57373339-75/microsoft-to-host-windows-8-consumer-preview-on-feb-29/#ixzz1mfrk5rXn

    Installing any Windows or Windows preview just copied it over my existing operating system, I'm lost as to how to set up a dual boot.


Comments

  • #2
    ressem
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,426 ✭✭✭ressem


    Typically you would use a partitioning tool to shrink your windows partition by the required amount, and tell the new windows install to create it's partition in the new free space.
    I.e. you could go to computer management, storage, disk management. Right click on the C: drive and choose shrink volume, by 20 GB or more.

    Using an external USB hard drive would not work in the past, but it may work in this version provided you set the bios to boot from the drive.

    You might want to consider using Oracle Virtualbox instead to run windows 8 within a virtual computer under windows 7, if you are just having a quick look.
    http://www.extremetech.com/computing/96643-how-to-run-windows-8-in-virtualbox


  • #3
    darkomano
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭darkomano


    Installing Windows 8 to VHD is better for preview versions.

    You don't need another partition. A VHD is just a big file but behaves like disk when mounted.
    Plenty of guides exist on the internet how to install W8 to VHD.


  • #4
    aindriu80
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,968 ✭✭✭aindriu80


    thanks a million for the help, i will try to get the VHD, it seems like the best option if it works.


  • #5
    aindriu80
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,968 ✭✭✭aindriu80


    http://www.hanselman.com/blog/CommentView.aspx?guid=1E4C5218-541A-4CB3-9D2C-BC4610E5F3AD#4461cee3-00b4-497c-8974-bec05d06e8c8

    I was going through the article there about creating a VHD and it looks straight forward enough. Just a few questions if anyone can help, he is using a USB to point to where the ISO file is located and uses the USB key to boot. Can you use a USB external hard disk to do this ? I dont know if it will pick up the USB hard disk when the machine starts up.

    Also is it just a matter of deleting the VHD after you are finished with Windows 8 ? If you remove the USB drive and delete the VHD will your old machine run as normal ? thanks


  • #6
    LimkUL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44 ✭LimkUL


    Regards using the USB, you can run the "old style" setup from the ISO simply extract the ISO explore the extracted folder don't choose the seup.exe in the top level folder go to "Sources" and run setup.exe from there. This will allow you install from within windows on to a partition of your choice.


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  • #7
    aindriu80
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,968 ✭✭✭aindriu80


    I'm just installing the Windows 8 Consumer Preview now and I am using Oracle VM VirtualBox. Its pretty straightforward after I downloaded the correct .ISO file and set up a new VM in VirtualBox.

    I am just trying to iron out if I can mount the .ISO file on an external USB hard disk or on my internal laptop hard drive as opposed to having to write a DVD disk (which takes ages and on many occasions previous didn't work) ?

    I didn't want to create a partition if VirtualBox would work


  • #8
    aindriu80
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,968 ✭✭✭aindriu80


    I burnt the .ISO 64 bit Windows 8 Customer Preview on to a DVD and started up Oracle VM VirtualBox. I created a new virtual machine based on the settings recommended on numerous tutorials but I am now having an error.

    After I enter in the key it asks me do I want a custom install or an upgrade. I selected a custom install, it then prompts me with an error stating

    The computer started using the Windows installation disc. Remove the installation disc and restart your computer so that Windows starts normally. Then, insert the installation disc and restart the upgrade. (Do not select "Custom (Advanced)" to perform an upgrade. "Custom (Advanced) installs a new copy of Windows and delets your programs and settings.)

    Well I did that and the same error still comes up. Any ideas ?


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