How to dual boot (WinXP in IDE, Vista in SATA) ?

[cfcRebel]

Currently my computer is running Windows XP in an IDE. I just bought a new SATA disk and would like to install Vista on it. I heard of dual boot before but have zero knowledge about it. Can you guys help? How do it go about setting up dual boot?

[MaxxuM]

It's pretty easy... the main thing is to install XP first. After installing the SATA drive boot into XP and toss in the Vista DVD. You can do the compatibility test first if you like, but if you have a pretty new system (2yrs) there shouldn't be a problem. Hit install, put in your number and then pick the SATA drive as the Vista drive then let it go. It will reboot several times by itself. Once its on the final step it will prompt you to pick OS, Vista or previous version of Windows. That's pretty much it. Here is the thing though, NEVER erase VIsta else XP won't work. There are tools however to remove Vista's new boot loading software though. Make backups too. I use Drive Image XML to make copies of Vista and XP just in case.

[equetefue]

Do a search for VistaBootPro...awesome little program, and yes you can uninstall Vista and XP still works...

The Vista MBR is diferent but easy to remove.

[cfcRebel]

That's good to know. It sounds easier than i originally thought. Thanks guys.