M70VM-X1 dual boot Vista/XP?

Hello, all:

I've been reading up on how to install XP, and was able to do so, except that even when I used Paragon Partition Manager's Dual Boot option, only XP worked.

As I use an audio interface which is only compatible with XP (for the time being...), I need a dual-boot configuration in order to use the Asus M70VM-X1. Does anyone know if this is possible?

Also, is it possible to use two internal hard drives in RAID1 with XP?

In the mean time, I continue to use my Dell Precision M65; very good but a bit cramped.

 

you should be ok, i've just loaded a tripple booting OS on my W3J

XP+Vista64+Windows7. althought it took nearly a whole day to sort out partitions.

Basic way, is use Asus recovery CDs recover XP to entire drive, then remove from laptop, use partition manager to shrink partition to whatever size you need (I used 30gb) then create two further partitions one for Vista (another 30gb) and then what ever remains is the third partition for your docs.

then you can use a program called gparted to tidy up the boot.ini file.

My laptop has 4 partitions one for each OS and one for docs, I have loaded an OS on each partition and when I boot it will still give me the option of which to boot into, I just need to install gparted so I can tidy upa few things.

if no one replies before hand, i'll send links later, really easy though, the hardest thing is getting the partitioninig done correctly and in order.

Cheers

 

Thanks - please give me a step-by-step procedure, keeping in mind that I already have Vista Home Premium installed and have been using it for three months. I would like to keep my setup as it is, and have a clean XP install for the audio system. A few questions:

I don't quite understand your point about the Asus Recovery CD, as this laptop came with Vista Home Premium.

Others have talked about a "slipstream" CD with the proper drivers on it, though Asus doesn't officially support XP on this computer (as it is pretty new).

I've also heard about problems with the SATA mode, and wonder if there is a way for both OS to work without needing to change the BIOS setting.

 

Hey Sorry I didn't get back last night, but I need to know some more details.

First of all, always backup files and system setttings, if partitioning goes wrong sometimed the only way to correct it is formatting the entire drive and starting from scratch. if you dont want to loose your settings use the transfer files and settings option in vista.

So you have Vista installed (on a single partition) and would like to add XP as a dual boot?

Yeah Asus recovery CD I was meaning the windows CD that came with your laptop, but as you say if your laptop came with vista you will need to get hold of a XP install CD.

Slipstreaming, yeah I never got into this, I had a look but never had a need to actually do it.

Essentially you need a partition for each OS and if you are dual booting it can be good to have a thrid for all your files.

So the basic operation would be;

1. shrink your partition (various ways but I normally remove HDD plug into USB case and into another PC, open partition mamager and resize partition (20-30gb) and then create a second partition (20-30gb) but if you only plan on running one program 10 gb would be fine. then whatever is left over partition into a third drive for documents.

2. once the drive is formatted correctly, replace in laptop and then load XP onto second partition. About SATA, I installed a dual boot on my girlfriends F3J which has a SATA drive and it works fine, but that did ship with XP+ free vista upgrade, you might need to do some research about this.

3. Load Gparted (this allows you to boot into either OS) this is where I had a few problems the first time I did this, its always tricky partitioning an existing OS, I found in the end it was easier to format the entire drive and start from scratch. its much easier having a partitioned drive set up and ready to go then its just a matter of install each OS then tidy up the bootloader, then you are good to go.

Even though it is a pain I would recomend formatting the drive set up your partitions and load each OS freash, but give it a go, if it works good, if not you will have to format and start from fresh anyway.

But for a more detailed this is a great guide, this is what I followed:

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_vista_and_xp_with_vista_installed_first__the_stepbystep_guide.htm

if you have any questions let me know.