XP Clean install or XP/Vista dual boot?

Hi there,

I just got my sony vaio vgn-CR123e\b with a t7300 cpu and 2GB of RAM.

I'm very happy with it but I know all that bloatware is starting to irritate me. Specially because most of them are trial versions.

First thing I took off was that norton internet protection, only because it adds a toolbar to the browser and I HATE toolbars. I rather have a less protected system than having a toolbar in my browser.

Another thing I don't like about Vista is the fact that is a Home edition and I have a XP professional editon installer. I will install development tools such as Visual Studio, .NET framework, SQL Server, Virtual PC so I feel better with a professional O.S.

On the other hand, my wife enjoyed Vista because she thinks is cute and she likes new stuff.

Perhaps the best solution for me is to install XP without taking Vista out. Does's anybody know a guide to make this dual boot instalation?

Thanks

 

google anytime upgrade, upgrade to vista business or Ultimate

this way you don't have to install anything, and you get the 'business OS feel'

 

The best possible solution would be to use XP but make it look and "feel" like Vista. There's a very helpful guide here.

Hope it helps!

 

Just install win XP in difference partition with Vista, then use Vistabootpro to dual boot. Here is the guide to Install Windows XP in a Dual Boot with Pre-installed Windows Vista http://www.pronetworks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88231
You might have an error with Win XP , this guide will solve the problem http://www.pronetworks.org/forum/about96291.html

 

Thanks to all,

I think I will proceed with plumpcheck's solution. The only problem is that I got only a 120GB HDD and dual booting the notebook I will have kind of small partitions.

Since I will be working with XP most of the time, I'm planning to leave 40GB for Vista and 80GB for XP.

Will XP and Vista be able to access each other files?

Thanks again

 

120GB is probably not going to be enough for you. If you like to install the MSDN documentation locally (like I do) you'll start to go through that space fast. I'd recommend 160GB or 250GB drive, especially with a dual or triple boot system. (e.g. XP/Vista/Ubuntu)

Yes, XP and Vista can access each other files through a shared partition. Linux also has the ability to read/write to NTFS now as well. Create a dedicated partition for your source + projects and one for each OS you plan on installing.

 

I was planning to do the same :O just a lot of partition shifting.

Regardless, what kind of boot manager do everyone use. I use the one that came with Disk Director but I don't know what happens when say

I install
XP
Vista

THen I decided that I want to reinstall XP, if I do with the Windows Boot Manager, I'd get
XP
XP (unbootable, dead link)
Vista

for selection screen.. and was wondering if there's a "better" boot manager that is actually smart and not leave garbage like that

 

I have a Vaio TZ150, which came with Vista Business. I've been using Vista since March, because I'm similar to your wife in that I like new things. However, yesterday, I decided to downgrade to Windows XP, and wow, I can totally feel a difference in performance on my TZ. Everything is just so much more efficient. Also, Vista Business is still in a hidden partition in my notebook, so I can go back to Vista whenever I want. I doubt I ever will, but it's nice to have that option.

 

I think I will get a bigger HDD with 250GB.

I could also upgrade the HDD speed from 5400 to 7200 rpm.

Thanks for your tips.

 

im triple booting on my TZ as well Ubuntu/XP/Vista XP and Ubuntu flies with no compatabilty issues