Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Dual-boot Windows 7 and Windows 8

  • 26-03-2013 1:43pm
    #1
    Greyian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 991 ✭✭✭


    I recently got a new Windows 8 PC, and I've had a number of problems with programs not working on Windows 8 (mostly due to driver issues).

    I'm wondering if it's possible to set up my PC to have both OSs. I have a Windows 7 ISO and a valid product key, but I'm not entirely sure how to go about setting up both OSs. I know that I will need to partition my hard drive, but I'm not really sure what to do after that.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated, cheers.


Comments

  • #2
    homingbird
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,294 ✭✭✭homingbird


    Just partition your drive & install win7 on new partition the install will take care of your dual boot choice.


  • #3
    Fysh
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 11,106 Mod ✭✭✭✭Fysh


    Free up some space on your hard drive, either using the integrated tools (I've not tried them in Win8 but they certainly exist in Vista or 7) or by using GParted to do the trick. (I favour GParted myself as I find it more flexible, but it's important to note that you should back up anything important before doing it in case Bad Stuff happens. You'll also need to run chkdsk on your first boot into Win8 after shrinking the partition, as Windows doesn't like partitions being resized by non-Windows components).

    Once you've done that, create Recovery Media for your Win8 install. Test it.

    Install Windows 7 as normal, bearing in mind that in the usual Windows fashion it'll likely try and take over boot loader management.

    Boot from your Windows 8 recovery and fix your bootloader.

    Once you've got Win8 bootable again, I suggest using http://neosmart.net/Download/Register/1]EasyBCD and iReboot to control switching between OSs.


  • #4
    Greyian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 991 ✭✭✭Greyian


    Hey guys,

    I'm finally getting around to trying to do this.

    I have plenty of free space on my hard drive and I've created a recovery media for Windows 8.

    I've managed to get the computer to boot using the DVD drive (where I have my Windows 7 disc), after disabling secure boot. However, when I choose my drive for installation (D drive, C drive is my current Windows 8 drive), I'm getting an error saying:
    "The partitions on the disk selected for installation are not in the recommended order. For additional information about installing to GPT disks go to the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) and search for GPT."

    Any suggestions?


  • #5
    Greyian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 991 ✭✭✭Greyian


    Ok, I've managed to get it installed just fine now, which is great. The only problem is that I need a new Windows 7 key (we thought we had one, but just remembered we gave it away to a friend last year). Does anyone know where I can buy one (ideally getting the key instantly), seeing as MS no longer seem to sell Windows 7 through the store?


Advertisement