can i have two hard drives in my computer each running a different os?

Question

becuz i would like to have both windows vista and windows XP
on the same computer & i don't know if 300 gigs is enough for both. if it is please tell me.

Answer 1

i disagree with laid back and dewcoons. First it is no trouble at all. Second you NEVER load the newer operating system first and i mean NEVER.

On freshly formatted hard drives load windows xp first.
Then load windows vista any other way will not work period.

Read the below articles then go for it i use a dual boot of xp pro 32bit and windows vista home premium 64 bit and have done so for months with NO problems at all.

James f is close but why go thru all that trouble when all you have to do is load xp first and then vista and you dont have to modify your boot ini. files.

Listen to those that know and not those that think they do.

Answer 2

You can run two versions of Windows on the same computer.

You would need to either have two separate physical hard drives, or one large drive divided into two partitions. (Note: Partitioning a hard drive will wipe all the information on it).

Beginning with the newer OS (in your case Vista), and boot from the Vista CD so that the install program beginning. As part of the install you will be given a chance to partition/format your drive(s). Format the first drive, or set up a primary parition on the only dirve. Let Vista install to the drive/partition.

Reboot the computer with the second OS (XP) install CD. Start the set up. When you reach the point where it as about formatting/paritioning and where to install Windows, format the second drive or create the second partition. Then select it as the place to install XP.

Once done, you will get a little menu each time you boot that allows you to select which version of Windows you want it to run.

Answer 3

Absolutely. I've just recently done it when I got a new hard drive with no problems at all. In fact it only took 15 minutes to do everything. You've got plenty of space for it, but if you recently added hardware you will have to call up Microsoft for activation.

I used this tutorial:
http://apcmag.com/5485/dualbooting_vista_and_xp

You can skip the first couple of steps as you are not partitioning one hard drive but have 2 hard drives.

Answer 4

Before you do, go to MS Knowledge Base and read the comments about dual boot vista and XP. They say you are asking for problems if you try.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

Sure if you like, and 300GB is more then enough. You can even do it on one hard drive.

Answer 9

Yes! Of course you can..