How to Dual Boot Windows 7 and Windows Vista

Windows 7 Beta gets so much attention from Windows enthusiasts and it is proven when the official page of Windows 7 was crippled temporarily by the continuous stream of traffic who looked for download link on January 9th. Windows 7 is way much better than Windows Vista and XP, no doubt about it. However many are not willing to give up their current OS because it is still in beta stage.

Dual boot is one of several options to those who want to keep their current OS for daily works while simultaneously giving themselves chance to play with new Windows 7 Beta features. It is not really that hard to create dual boot for both operating system Windows 7 and Vista; it requires only few steps to make it happen.

Step 1: Burn Windows 7 Beta on DVD

Assuming you have already downloaded a fresh copy of Windows 7 Beta, you need to burn it onto a DVD. There are wide range of DVD Burning tools that can deliver what you want. Here are some of them; InfraRecorder, ImgBurn and Nero 9 just to name a few.

Step 2: Partition Your Hard Disk
Creating partition in Windows Vista is easy because it has a built in function for partitioning. I have covered this in great length in my previous post, so may want to take a look at this post.



Step 3: Windows 7 Installation



Now come the easy part. Insert your Windows 7 disc and start installing Windows 7. After successfully copying files, it will reboot your computer. Make sure booting from your DVD drive is enabled - (most PCs and laptops will have this enabled by default anyway).

A simple installation wizard will come up after DVD boots up. When you are choosing installation type, make sure to select custom (advanced) and the partition you have created.

Windows will take care of the rest of installation process. Grab a drink and sit back. If you insist not to do anything else but staring at your PC screen you will notice it restarts a few times. Eventually you'll be prompted to set up your account and enter the license key.

If everything goes as planned you will be brought into the new realm of Windows 7 :)

Next time when you start your PC, you will see new entry in boot screen. You will be given 30 seconds to decide which operating system you want to use. If you don't choose after 30 seconds it will automatically choose Windows 7 as the default OS.