Dual Boot Windows 10 with Windows 7 or Windows 8  

Page 31 of 35 FirstFirst ... 212930313233 ... LastLast

  1. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #300

    ICIT2LOL said:
    Ok Navy now to make sure I have this right if I upgrade the 7 to 10 how do I go about using the partition I made for 10 to put 7 back in the drive?? I am only asking because doesn't the upgrade just go over the top of the 7 I am using?? I just don't want to completely muck it up.
    You need to just save a backup image of the Windows 7. Then upgrade it to Windows 10. If you want to go back to Windows 7, then restore the backup image you created. If you want to dual boot Windows 7 and 10, then you need to purchase a second license for either Windows 7 or 10.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,062
    Windows 10 Pro version 22H2 0n one desktop and running Window 11 Pro 22H2 on unsupported desktop
       #301

    Thanks Shawn I thought that what would be the case and it just so happens I have a spare copy of 7 here I could use that I suppose. I think I will just upgrade it if only to get a key the other machine can stay just in 7 or maybe a dual boot Ubuntu or Zorin as I don't mind those two OS's just for a change.

    Thanks again mate you have been yet again so patient along with Navy I do appreciate because it sure beats wrecking the whole thing and starting all over again.

    Actually I don't know how you keep up with all this stuff it Is just mind boggling because I cannot see how you get any sleep.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 68,668
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #302

    You're most welcome John. I'm glad we could help. :)
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 3,367
    W10 Pro x64/W7 Ultimate x64 dual boot main - W11 Triple Boot Pending
       #303

    Initially I saw both the main and remote pc mini tower upgraded to 10 while the free upgrade offer was going on during the first year later purchasing digital licenses in order to restore the 7 Ultimate system image onto a second HD when upgrading drives. I also had to do the same for the remote since 7 Pro would connect by wireless to the router in use while the software wasn't compatible for the 64bit 10. I would have had to replace the additional router in use with a new which would still see support for 7 as well.

    After the final dual boot on the main across two new drives as well as two larger capacity server class drives for storage/backup went I then had the second drive needed for 7 Pro on the remote pc so it could be used as a portable test system. But then the old 7 laptop failed and had to be replaced with a brand W10 model Toshiba now in use by a family member no longer on dial-up for another mini tower I had built for that person.

    As far as running other OSs you can do that on VMs while still keeping a working Windows 10/7 dual boot. So you have some other options available.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 11,062
    Windows 10 Pro version 22H2 0n one desktop and running Window 11 Pro 22H2 on unsupported desktop
       #304

    Ok now my broadband has been somewhat fixed I have this machine with 10 already on it is there any way I make it a dual boot without installing 7 on a drive first and then add 10.

    I should add this was a 7 Pro machine to start with until I went to all 10. I am wanting to do this because I am still more active in 7 than 10 as I find 10 has a lot more "tech" stuff on it and if I answer posts in 7 it is not easy to snip a screen for example to attach to replies.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 68,668
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #305

    Hey John, :)

    If you like, you could install Windows 7 as a Hyper-V virtual machine in Windows 10 to make it easy to use W7 while running W10.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 11,062
    Windows 10 Pro version 22H2 0n one desktop and running Window 11 Pro 22H2 on unsupported desktop
       #306

    Ok Shawn I will take a look at that option but have to at I am not familiar with what VM entails I just don't want to wreck the set up as it is now. :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 15,441
    Windows10
       #307

    ICIT2LOL said:
    Ok Shawn I will take a look at that option but have to at I am not familiar with what VM entails I just don't want to wreck the set up as it is now. :)
    Easiest way is to create a virtual hard drive from disk management e.g.

    C:\win7\win7.vhdx

    Then do following

    When using windows 7 installer, at first screen, press shift+f10 to get to command prompt.

    Type

    diskpart

    select vdisk file=c:\win7\win7.vhdx

    attach vdisk

    exit

    exit

    and continue installation, installing it to virtual hard drive.

    You now have a dual boot pc.

    This is simplest way to install withoout affecting original install.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 11,062
    Windows 10 Pro version 22H2 0n one desktop and running Window 11 Pro 22H2 on unsupported desktop
       #308

    cereberus said:
    Easiest way is to create a virtual hard drive from disk management e.g.

    C:\win7\win7.vhdx

    Then do following

    When using windows 7 installer, at first screen, press shift+f10 to get to command prompt.

    Type

    diskpart

    select vdisk file=c:\win7\win7.vhdx

    attach vdisk

    exit

    exit

    and continue installation, installing it to virtual hard drive.

    You now have a dual boot pc.

    This is simplest way to install withoout affecting original install.
    Ok cerebus my friend that looks a bit less involved than the tutorial for a VM but there are a few things I would like to clarify before I try it.
    If the machine is already running in 10 and I go to DISKPART and type the that line in - it says to attach vdisk - I am not really sure what that means and am assuming it requires me to use an ISO for the 7 or is it some software on a say a stick?? .

    To do that do I have to create a partition first or is the 7 created within 10?

    Do you think it might be an idea to clone my drive before I do this because I would hate to miss something or hit a wrong key and wreck what is a stable machine?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 15,441
    Windows10
       #309

    ICIT2LOL said:
    Ok cerebus my friend that looks a bit less involved than the tutorial for a VM but there are a few things I would like to clarify before I try it.
    If the machine is already running in 10 and I go to DISKPART and type the that line in - it says to attach vdisk - I am not really sure what that means and am assuming it requires me to use an ISO for the 7 or is it some software on a say a stick?? .

    To do that do I have to create a partition first or is the 7 created within 10?

    Do you think it might be an idea to clone my drive before I do this because I would hate to miss something or hit a wrong key and wreck what is a stable machine?

    You create the vhdx file initially from disk management. I always select vhdx file, type expandable and set a maximum size eg 50 GB.

    THEN you have to get to command prompt from your windows 7 installer usb drive (or dvd).

    As I said when booting from installer, press shift+f10 to get to command prompt, then type commands as I said.

    This method is quite safe as all you are doing is creating a single file on your existing installation, and simply adding a boot entry.

    If you like, for extra safety, when you boot into it, you can remove the drive letter for the windows 10 drive partition (does not affect anything when booting in windows 10) so it is hidden from windows 7.

    Always a good plan to make an image backup of your current installation as a precaution, although I very much doubt you will get any issues as you are not affecting windows 10 OS in any way.
      My Computer


 

Tutorial Categories

Dual Boot Windows 10 with Windows 7 or Windows 8 Tutorial Index Network & Sharing Instalation and Upgrade Browsers and Email General Tips Gaming Customization Apps and Features Virtualization BSOD System Security User Accounts Hardware and Drivers Updates and Activation Backup and Restore Performance and Maintenance Mixed Reality Phone


  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 00:55.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums