How to have 2 OS's on 1 computer?

[500ncb]

I have a laptop with original windows vista on it, but was irritated by almost everything on vista. I want to install windows xp on it, but without uninstalling vista, as we paid for the original, and in case i need it in the future. I know there's a way to install 2 OS's, and being able to choose which system to use on startup, but i don't know how. Any help?

I wouldn't want to use microsoft virtual pc, cos it means i will have to run on vista anyway.

Help will be very much appreciated. Thanks!

[fatcat]

Dual Boot (http://www.syschat.com/dual-boot-vista-xp-vista-already-1946.html)

[500ncb]

Hi thanks for the link. But I go my vista pre-installed when i got the laptop, and I wasn't given the vista cd. Nowadays retailers in singapore don't give the OS cds anymore. The method from the link needed cds from both vista and xp. I got the xp cd, but not he vista. So without the vista cd, how should i do it?

thanks.

[lightnin]

could vista handle a resize of it's primary partition? if you could resize (not repartition) you might have a chunk of empty disk to install xp on. not something i'd wanna try though ;) how bout dual boot linux with xp?

[Thrax]

Installing XP after Vista is impossible without a Vista CD.

[500ncb]

ok i think i will have to email acer then. thanks for all the help here!

[manuleka]

you should try ubuntu/kubuntu... as a 3rd OS

[Blue_Dog]

install xp as normal, when it prompt the location, try to use custom and define your location, default c:\windows if you do so then it will over write the exist windows which is Vista, otherwise iut will automatically create the dual boot for you

good lucks

[broady81]

If you want a quick solution, why not download a Vista Bootable Install Disk (Like the DVD they will send you) ? I wouldnt think there's anything illegal in that, as you do have a valid license key to use with it - It could work out a lot faster :bigggrin:

[500ncb]

Ok i'll try downloading. Cos I emailed acer and they tell me that they cant provide a vista cd, and go find a solution to create dual boot without vista cd myself. I urge people not yo buy from acer.

[Enverex]

Ok i'll try downloading. Cos I emailed acer and they tell me that they cant provide a vista cd, and go find a solution to create dual boot without vista cd myself. I urge people not yo buy from acer.

No-one seems to provide OS CDs any more. I think it's ridiculous and quite outrageous really because you're not -really- getting that OS.

[jmoney3457]

No-one seems to provide OS CDs any more. I think it's ridiculous and quite outrageous really because you're not -really- getting that OS.

I 2nd that..i find its very ridiculous & inconvienent the least company can do after having the customer pay hundreds or even thousands is send an ACTUAL os cd & not just a restore cd :rolleyes2

[Sledgehammer70]

Most often if you order online you can check that you want the disc. if you buy off the shelf at most stores they usually give you a drive backup or restore disc, not a full windows disc :(

I know my ASUS laptop came with the Windows disc and a driver disc.

[jmoney3457]

Most often if you order online you can check that you want the disc. if you buy off the shelf at most stores they usually give you a drive backup or restore disc, not a full windows disc :(

I know my ASUS laptop came with the Windows disc and a driver disc.

xp or vista sledge?

[joytime360]

Hey thanks for the link , I am curious about that also .