Dual Boot Question

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Feb 26, 2009, 03:13 PM

What is a good Windows based program that you can use to setup a multiboot system? I've installed XP on one partition and Vista on another now I can't get into XP?

OldBuzzard · Feb 26, 2009, 03:56 PM

HyperOs Systems

I've used it since the 2002 version.

I currently have 32 and 64 bit versions of XP and Vista installed, as well as 2 installs of Windows 7 64 bit.

Just so you know, I am one of their beta testers, but I was recommending HOS long before that came about.

It is a a great product, but they do make one claim that isn't quite true any longer. They claim that you can copy/backup a system in just a few seconds. While this was true sometime back when they used what they called "sector copy", that's no longer the case. It takes about 30 minutes to do a copy/backup. Thats still faster than doing a omplete install from scratch, and loading drivers and software, but just a couple of seconds it isn't.

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Feb 26, 2009, 05:43 PM

Thanks for the help.

Tipstaff · Feb 27, 2009, 09:32 AM

You can also try Vista Boot Pro. The newer version requires you to buy it, but if you search around for version 3.2, that one is free.

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Feb 27, 2009, 11:17 AM

Ok. Thankyou.

blibbax · Feb 27, 2009, 05:13 PM

If you've one drive per OS, I find it makes things much easier to install each OS separately then use the motheroard's boot menu to select a drive.

There are, of course, pros and cons to this method, but I just thought I'd throw it into the ring.

Liqourice · Feb 27, 2009, 07:30 PM

Install Ubuntu as well and use Grub to chose with, that's how I have it. Got XP and Ubuntu on 1 drive and Win7 on another drive. Grub remaps the drives for you when you chose to boot from different drives so you don't need to use the mobo boot menu or go into bios to change anything. Works like a charm!

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Feb 28, 2009, 12:45 PM

OK. decided to go for a clean install of everything. I split my 750GB HD into 3 seperate partitions. I made the first two primary and the third logical. I have XP installed on the primary partition because I can't get it working as a logical partition installation and I have Vista installed on the third logical partition. Everythings working now. Thanks heaps guys. What's Linux Ubuntu like? Does it work with Windows programs? Is it point and click or hard knuckle programming? What is the support for it like? I've always been interested in Linux, but found that the support base wasn't large enough for me.

Mac Daddy · Feb 28, 2009, 12:59 PM

You might like Ubuntu Frankie I play with it here and there. Most of your hardware is newer and widely used I don't think you would have serious issues with drivers.

It runs pretty much anything I have thrown at it and if you don't like it you can always uninstall it ... thats the nice thing about Linux its a Freeware platform.

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Feb 28, 2009, 01:05 PM

Linux could do well on my computer. I certainly have enough space. Maybe I'll give it a shot.

Mac Daddy · Feb 28, 2009, 01:17 PM

It's a learning curve for sure and I am still learning but enjoy it.

There are Linux versions of most popular software as for windows programs they can be run within Linux using a Windows environment ... sorta

(There are guys on here that know a lot more about Linux than me BTW)

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Feb 28, 2009, 01:56 PM

Ok. I'll go check things out. Might have some questions.

Liqourice · Feb 28, 2009, 05:45 PM

Just remember to install Linux last of all, then Grub will find the windows installations and prepare the bootup menu for you.

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Mar 1, 2009, 11:09 AM

Linux last. Ok.

Mac Daddy · Mar 1, 2009, 12:35 PM

Yes that is important thanks for the mention Liqourice

Liqourice · Mar 1, 2009, 01:12 PM

You don't have to but the problem is that if you install linux and then windows after, windows installer will replace Grub in the rdb and you'll have to install Grub again using the live cd. It's always possible to edit the grub menu afterwards of course so it's not absolutely necessary to install linux last but it makes things easier to do it like that.

Mac Daddy · Mar 1, 2009, 09:33 PM

Actually I ran into that with my first install of Ubuntu ... MUCH easier to install Linux last

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Mar 2, 2009, 01:57 PM

OK. I tried installing Linux Debian 5. My computer refuses to read the dang CDs. Idk y. I set my boot options, chucked in the disc and nothing. Just a blank screen for 20mins.

Liqourice · Mar 2, 2009, 02:53 PM

Better ask that question in the Linux forum, otherwise people who know might not see it!

Though, if it doesn't boot it can only be because the CD isn't bootable for some reason. Why it isn't I can't say.. have you tried to download a Ubuntu iso, burned it and tried booting with that?

Mac Daddy · Mar 2, 2009, 11:57 PM

Sounds like it isn't a bootable disk as you mentioned Liqourice. That's really odd I just DLed Ubuntu .iso ... burned it and it installed *shrugs*

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Mar 3, 2009, 09:33 AM

When installing Linux allongside another OS does the partition or drive need to be logical or can it install on a primary partition with no problems?

Mac Daddy · Mar 3, 2009, 12:18 PM

Good question and on both installations I have done here I used a single HD with no partitions. The GRUB manager will take care of the partitioning for you that's why Liqourice suggested installing Linux last.

It will prompt you to select the sizes for each OS, etc before formatting and installing to the Linux partition.

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Mar 3, 2009, 01:23 PM

Ok. I'll have to get a version of Linux that will actually boot first. I might check out Suse.

Cow_160483 · Mar 3, 2009, 01:27 PM

By the way Install Ubuntu its much easier to find software's and drivers for it than other Linux versions like Fedora and the rest, just a personal preference.

Liqourice · Mar 3, 2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RE III - Frankie

When installing Linux allongside another OS does the partition or drive need to be logical or can it install on a primary partition with no problems?

Iirc it used to be that way that you had to have either the swap or root partition as primary, I'm not sure which, but as it is now it doesn't matter at all. I have all my linux partitions as logical on an extended partition and it works just fine.

Before you try Suse, give the latest Ubuntu a go. Or, if you still want to try debian out you can try the "netinst" image.

Debian -- Network install from a minimal CD

It's a minimalistic CD image with only the necessary packages to get the installation going, the rest it takes from the net while you install. Get that image, burn it as with any other image and it should boot. It's not very big either, only 131MB.

As a beginner you should start out with a stable release and then when you feel comfortable with it you can upgrade to unstable and play around with that. Very easy, just type "apt-get dist-upgrade" in a shell.

If you still have problems with booting even with other distributions I wonder if something goes wrong with your burns, either a setting in your burning program or a problem with your burner.

Mac Daddy · Mar 4, 2009, 01:11 AM

I agree on Ubuntu as a starter as well guys

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Mar 4, 2009, 05:45 AM

I have had problems with other burners not booting my Windows CD's before and replacing has fixed that problem now that you mention it. I'll have to get a new one I think. I'll try the Debian Net install first though and a new burning program to see if it makes any difference.

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Mar 4, 2009, 06:58 AM

I tried burning the Net Install version of Debian 5, but it still didn't boot even with different burning software. Has to be the burner then. I'll have to get a new one then try this over again.

Mac Daddy · Mar 4, 2009, 12:32 PM

That's strange what program are you using to burn them? Make sure bootable .iso is selected or highlighted before you burn depending on the program.

Some older drives have issues "spinning up" with multi-session CD's but this one is 640 well under 700 so can't see that being an issue.

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Mar 4, 2009, 01:24 PM

ISO Image Burner. Boot ISO was selected.

Feb 26, 2009, 03:13 PM	#1
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Dual Boot Question What is a good Windows based program that you can use to setup a multiboot system? I've installed XP on one partition and Vista on another now I can't get into XP?

Feb 26, 2009, 03:56 PM	#2
OldBuzzard DH's oldest Geek Join Date: May 2003 Location: Oberlin, OH Posts: 2,783 Rep Power: 145 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question HyperOs Systems I've used it since the 2002 version. I currently have 32 and 64 bit versions of XP and Vista installed, as well as 2 installs of Windows 7 64 bit. Just so you know, I am one of their beta testers, but I was recommending HOS long before that came about. It is a a great product, but they do make one claim that isn't quite true any longer. They claim that you can copy/backup a system in just a few seconds. While this was true sometime back when they used what they called "sector copy", that's no longer the case. It takes about 30 minutes to do a copy/backup. Thats still faster than doing a omplete install from scratch, and loading drivers and software, but just a couple of seconds it isn't. __________________ When looking for a reason as to why things go wrong, never rule out sheer STUPIDITY

Feb 26, 2009, 05:43 PM	Thread Starter #3
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question Thanks for the help.

Feb 27, 2009, 09:32 AM	#4
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 191 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question You can also try Vista Boot Pro. The newer version requires you to buy it, but if you search around for version 3.2, that one is free. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

Feb 27, 2009, 11:17 AM	Thread Starter #5
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question Ok. Thankyou.

Feb 27, 2009, 05:13 PM	#6
blibbax What does this do? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 4,263 Rep Power: 254 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question If you've one drive per OS, I find it makes things much easier to install each OS separately then use the motheroard's boot menu to select a drive. There are, of course, pros and cons to this method, but I just thought I'd throw it into the ring. __________________ Donate the spare computing power of your PC to help to cure Alzheimer's, ALS, Huntington's, Parkinson's disease and cancer: Fold for HH!

Feb 27, 2009, 07:30 PM	#7
Liqourice HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Stockholm Posts: 1,724 Rep Power: 98 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question Install Ubuntu as well and use Grub to chose with, that's how I have it. Got XP and Ubuntu on 1 drive and Win7 on another drive. Grub remaps the drives for you when you chose to boot from different drives so you don't need to use the mobo boot menu or go into bios to change anything. Works like a charm!

Feb 28, 2009, 12:45 PM	Thread Starter #8
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question OK. decided to go for a clean install of everything. I split my 750GB HD into 3 seperate partitions. I made the first two primary and the third logical. I have XP installed on the primary partition because I can't get it working as a logical partition installation and I have Vista installed on the third logical partition. Everythings working now. Thanks heaps guys. What's Linux Ubuntu like? Does it work with Windows programs? Is it point and click or hard knuckle programming? What is the support for it like? I've always been interested in Linux, but found that the support base wasn't large enough for me.

Feb 28, 2009, 12:59 PM	#9
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 80 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question You might like Ubuntu Frankie I play with it here and there. Most of your hardware is newer and widely used I don't think you would have serious issues with drivers. It runs pretty much anything I have thrown at it and if you don't like it you can always uninstall it ... thats the nice thing about Linux its a Freeware platform. __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Feb 28, 2009, 01:05 PM	Thread Starter #10
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question Linux could do well on my computer. I certainly have enough space. Maybe I'll give it a shot.

Feb 28, 2009, 01:17 PM	#11
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 80 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question It's a learning curve for sure and I am still learning but enjoy it. There are Linux versions of most popular software as for windows programs they can be run within Linux using a Windows environment ... sorta (There are guys on here that know a lot more about Linux than me BTW) __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Feb 28, 2009, 01:56 PM	Thread Starter #12
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question Ok. I'll go check things out. Might have some questions.

Feb 28, 2009, 05:45 PM	#13
Liqourice HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Stockholm Posts: 1,724 Rep Power: 98 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question Just remember to install Linux last of all, then Grub will find the windows installations and prepare the bootup menu for you.

Mar 1, 2009, 11:09 AM	Thread Starter #14
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question Linux last. Ok.

Mar 1, 2009, 12:35 PM	#15
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 80 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question Yes that is important thanks for the mention Liqourice __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Mar 1, 2009, 01:12 PM	#16
Liqourice HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Stockholm Posts: 1,724 Rep Power: 98 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question You don't have to but the problem is that if you install linux and then windows after, windows installer will replace Grub in the rdb and you'll have to install Grub again using the live cd. It's always possible to edit the grub menu afterwards of course so it's not absolutely necessary to install linux last but it makes things easier to do it like that.

Mar 1, 2009, 09:33 PM	#17
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 80 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question Actually I ran into that with my first install of Ubuntu ... MUCH easier to install Linux last __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Mar 2, 2009, 01:57 PM	Thread Starter #18
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question OK. I tried installing Linux Debian 5. My computer refuses to read the dang CDs. Idk y. I set my boot options, chucked in the disc and nothing. Just a blank screen for 20mins.

Mar 2, 2009, 02:53 PM	#19
Liqourice HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Stockholm Posts: 1,724 Rep Power: 98 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question Better ask that question in the Linux forum, otherwise people who know might not see it! Though, if it doesn't boot it can only be because the CD isn't bootable for some reason. Why it isn't I can't say.. have you tried to download a Ubuntu iso, burned it and tried booting with that?

Mar 2, 2009, 11:57 PM	#20
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 80 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question Sounds like it isn't a bootable disk as you mentioned Liqourice. That's really odd I just DLed Ubuntu .iso ... burned it and it installed shrugs __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Mar 3, 2009, 09:33 AM	Thread Starter #21
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question When installing Linux allongside another OS does the partition or drive need to be logical or can it install on a primary partition with no problems?

Mar 3, 2009, 12:18 PM	#22
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 80 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question Good question and on both installations I have done here I used a single HD with no partitions. The GRUB manager will take care of the partitioning for you that's why Liqourice suggested installing Linux last. It will prompt you to select the sizes for each OS, etc before formatting and installing to the Linux partition. __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Mar 3, 2009, 01:23 PM	Thread Starter #23
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question Ok. I'll have to get a version of Linux that will actually boot first. I might check out Suse.

Mar 3, 2009, 01:27 PM	#24
Cow_160483 HH's only cow moooooo... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: BOTSWANA Posts: 6,821 Rep Power: 300 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question By the way Install Ubuntu its much easier to find software's and drivers for it than other Linux versions like Fedora and the rest, just a personal preference. __________________ Decode! Muhahahahah!

Mar 4, 2009, 01:11 AM	#26
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 80 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question I agree on Ubuntu as a starter as well guys __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Mar 4, 2009, 05:45 AM	Thread Starter #27
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question I have had problems with other burners not booting my Windows CD's before and replacing has fixed that problem now that you mention it. I'll have to get a new one I think. I'll try the Debian Net install first though and a new burning program to see if it makes any difference.

Mar 4, 2009, 06:58 AM	Thread Starter #28
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question I tried burning the Net Install version of Debian 5, but it still didn't boot even with different burning software. Has to be the burner then. I'll have to get a new one then try this over again.

Mar 4, 2009, 12:32 PM	#29
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 80 System Specs	Re: Dual Boot Question That's strange what program are you using to burn them? Make sure bootable .iso is selected or highlighted before you burn depending on the program. Some older drives have issues "spinning up" with multi-session CD's but this one is 640 well under 700 so can't see that being an issue. __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Mar 4, 2009, 01:24 PM	Thread Starter #30
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Dual Boot Question ISO Image Burner. Boot ISO was selected.