You would just're experimenting with the new features in Windows Vista, but not yet ready to abandon Windows XP? Perhaps you are still in doubt, because it is not 100% sure that the equipment and software needed for the work you will run Vista. If so, you may ideal dual-boot option. In this configuration, you can easily experiment with Windows Vista, at the same time continuing to use Windows XP. In other words, and wolves eat, and a whole sheep.

In this article I will tell you about several options for system configuration, which are suitable for those planning to add operating system Windows Vista to the already existing dual-boot mode. After this step, I will explain the whole process of configuration and installation.

Options for placement

To install Windows Vista in dual-boot mode on the computer, which was already running Windows XP, you will need to create another partition on the hard drive or a computer equipped second hard drive. Volume second hard disk or partition must be a minimum of 20 GB, 40 or even better, to ensure sufficient space for experiments.

If seats for the second section on the existing hard drive is not enough, the system will have to equip a second hard drive. If the same place for the second section enough to create it would need a software package for the breakdown of a Hard Disk. I would advise against Symantec Norton PartitionMagic - simply because most already take very long this software. Nevertheless, I have heard that there are other, equally good programs, such as Acronis Disk Director or VCOM Partition Commander Professional.

Of course, this article does not imply a detailed description of the process of connecting a second hard drive or a breakdown in the already existing sections. The only thing that would like to draw attention: before proceeding to install the operating system, a second hard disk or partition must be formatted under NTFS file system. When you create a second partition on the existing disk with the help of special software under the NTFS format it as soon as possible. When you install a second hard drive under the NTFS format it the easiest way through the Manager disks Windows XP (Windows XP Disk Manager). To run this application, simply click the keys [Windows] + R and in the resulting dialog box, "Run" (Run), enter the command "diskmgmt.msc" in line "Open" (Open).

Installing

There are two ways to start the installation in dual-boot mode: you can run the computer with a DVD-ROM installation Windows Vista, a disk can be inserted directly in Windows Vista running Windows XP. As you can guess, depending on the option selected start dialogs settings will be slightly different, but the process of installation in both cases, in fact, identical.
Although both options provide the same result, I prefer the method of launching a computer with DVD-ROM installation - mainly because while you can not fear intervention by the anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a firewall installed under Windows XP.

Name: 498498.jpg Views: 4603 Size: 15.4 KB

The installation

Preparing a second partition or a second hard drive, simply insert in the drive installation DVD-ROM Windows Vista, reboot the system and run the computer with a DVD. When you start the computer from the installation DVD starts installing Windows Vista program, and you will see a window, shown in Figure A.

Figure A. It will take some time to download the files installer Windows Vista, before the process of installation.

After a couple of seconds, you will see a dialog box to select the country and language, as shown in Figure B. As you can see, the default chosen by the United States and the English language, if it suits you, simply click the "Next" (Next).

Figure B. By default, the installer offers the United States as a country, and English as the language of the installation.
In the next dialog box, shown in Figure C, the user is invited to begin the process of installation. Simply click on "Set" (Install Now).

Figure C. To begin the installation, click on "Set" (Install Now).

In the next dialog box, shown in Figure D, the user will be prompted for the key product activation. The default option is set to "automatically activate when leaving Windows on the Internet" (Automatically Activate Windows When I'm online), but if you have noticed, I took the box next to that option. Do I mainly because when writing articles many times I experimented with the process of installation, but it wanted to retain the right several times legally activate your copy of Windows Vista before Microsoft block system - because otherwise I would have had to call and personally ask for a new key activation.

Figure D. Despite the strict warning, which was contained in the dialog box, Microsoft developers would not have left users to abandon the automatic activation of a product, if it was really dangerous.

Figure E.

Since I am not an activation key is introduced, the installer was unable to determine which version of the operating system I bought, and invited to select one of the seven versions, recorded on the disk as shown in Figure F. For work I use version of Ultimate, so noted flag appropriate option and pressed the button "Next" (Next).

Figure F. If an activation key is not specified, the installer could not determine what version of operating system, the user has acquired a license and offers you one of the seven versions.

In the next dialog box (Figure G), the user will be asked to read the Terms of the licensing agreement to use Microsoft software (Microsoft Software License Terms). If you are not parses curiosity, can simply choose to "I accept the license agreement" (I Accept The License Terms), and click "Next" (Next).

Figure G. If you are not especially curious, can not read the license agreement.

When I boot from the installation DVD, in the dialog box "type of Choice" (Which Type Of Installation Do You Want) is only available option "Custom Installation (advanced mode)" (Custom (advanced)), as shown in Figure H. To proceed, simply click the "Custom Installation" (Custom).

Figure H.

In the dialog box, "Selecting a partition to install Windows" (Where Do You Want To Install Windows?), The user will see the second section of your hard disk or a second hard drive. I have created for the installation of Windows Vista second section, so my dialog box looked as shown in Figure I.

Figure I. I created on the hard disk volume of 160 GB second section for the installation of Windows Vista.
After selecting the hard disk and clicking on the "Next" button (Next), and the installation will continue normally. Therefore, a story about the installation procedure, I at the finish.

Manager downloads of Windows (Windows Boot Manager)

Once installation is complete, a dialog box appears Dispetchera load Windows (Windows Boot Manager), shown in the figure K. As you can see, the menu offered a simple choice - load Windows XP operating system (a listed as a "Previous version of Windows" (Earlier Version of Windows)), or Windows Vista. This menu remains on the screen for 30 seconds and then downloads Manager launches the default operating system - Windows Vista.

Figure J. Manager boot Windows allows you to select which system will be run.

Countdown to the expiration of activation

As I described the installation of Windows Vista without activation - in a sample - I would like to emphasize that the system really will count down the time until the expiration of thirty term testing in the dialog box "system" (System), shown in Figure K. In addition, the device will be displayed regularly informed about how many days left before the deadline for activation.

Figure K. If you choose not to activate the system during installation, in the dialog box "system" (System), you can see how many days left before the deadline for activation.

Name: 64978.jpg Views: 2477 Size: 22.3 KB

Setting the Manager boot Windows

As I mentioned, the Manager boot Windows menu appears on the screen for 30 seconds and then automatically starts downloading the operating system by default - Windows Vista. However, the time display menu, and you can change the default from the operating system Windows Vista.

After loading Windows Vista, press the keys [Windows] + [Break] to open a dialog box "system" (System). In the panel "Objectives" select "Advanced Options" system (Advance System Setting), and confirm the continuation of operations in the dialog box Control of user accounts. In the Properties dialog box, "system" (System Properties), click on "Options" (Settings) under "Startup and Recovery" (Startup and Recovery). A dialog box "Startup and Recovery" (Startup and Recovery), shown in Figure L.

Figure L. In the dialog box, "Startup and Recovery" (Startup and Recovery) operating system, you can change the default and the time display menu Dispetchera boot Windows.

In the section "Loading Operating System" (System Startup) can be changed "Operatsionnuyu system, downloadable default" (Default Operating System) by selecting one of the options from the drop-down list, as well as reduce or increase the time display menu before loading the operating system with a default scroll buttons.

Conclusion

Installing Windows Vista in dual-boot mode on the computer, which is already installed Windows XP operating system - a great way to experiment with a new operating system and decide whether it suits you. In this article, I described how to configure dual-boot mode Windows Vista.