Dual Boot XP 32 and Vista 64

[bca11]

Has anyone configured a dual boot system? If I wanted to dual boot 32 bit XP and 64 bit Vista, would I run into serious driver issues? Would I need 2 sets of drivers? Would they conflict with each other? What other problems might present themselves? Thanks.

[odannyboy000]

Ya probably 2 sets of drivers. I dual-boot...its great, not complicated to set up, and a good idea to do with a new OS like Vista.

[Paul Komski]

The OSes dont conflict with each other at all since only one runs at a time. You will need a spare partition or hard drive on which to install the second installation. It is much the best to install them in their historical order of manufacture. So install WinXP first and Vista second. Ensure that your hardware is compatible with both OSes and best that you have the drivers to support both OSes. There are other ways to skin this particular cat so post back if any specific concerns or non-comprehension.

One Guide (http://apcmag.com/how_to_dualboot_vista_with_xp__stepbystep_guide_wi th_screenshots.htm) and you could Google for more.

[George Hallam]

two sets of drivers are a must.. there shouldnt really be any problems..

Are you installing them on the same HDD or different ones?

This may be a trivial thing but make sure you have a PS2 keyboard on hand to select what OS you want to boot into, because for some reason my G15 (USB keyboard) does not seem to work on the OS select screen (it may just be my keyboard i don't know :p)

[Paul Komski]

it may just be my keyboard i don't know
It will be the BIOS and its settings.

[George Hallam]

it works fine in the bios that is whats odd

[Paul Komski]

USB drivers can cause problems during the windows load process but this mostly relates to USB drives. HID devices such as mice and keyboards should even work in legacy systems. There is often a BIOS setting to enable such legacy support. Wireless mice and keyboards are not treated in such legacy fashion however.