Another Vista/XP dual boot inquiry thread

Yes, I know there's been many-a threads on this subject, so sorry for this. I've searched and googled and even wikipedia'd a little, but I'm just not confident that I understand the process enough to go to it yet.

Obviously, I've never attempted to create a dual boot on any computer of mine. I recently purchased a Sony VAIO AR770, with which I am intending to use for video editing and the like. However, Avid Xpress Pro is not Vista compatible. So I would like to partition my hard drive to dual boot XP so that I can use Avid. It seems like a fairly straight forward process, aside from a couple roadblocks and questions:

1) I don't have a Vista install DVD. And it is to my understanding that installing a dual boot of XP on a pre-installed Vista computer leaves you without the Vista boot option. The only remedy I've found for this complication is this thread, which I mostly understand except for a couple areas. But before I even ask for elaboration on that method, I'll ask if it is the proper route I should take in my situation?

2) Generally, what all are the drivers I will need to install in XP? Are we talking video, sound, etc? I'm not too well-versed on the subject of drivers and I'm therefore not sure how many there are.

3) I think I know the answer to this one. Any programs that I have installed on my Vista partition will have to be installed on my XP partition as well if I want to use them with XP, correct? Similarly, will I be able to access ANY files on my Vista partition from XP? I will be keeping a certain amount of video and audio files on the notebook HDD when in use with Avid for quick access to them (rather than accessing them from an external HDD), so I'm wondering how much disk space I should give the XP partition.


I think I have, or will have, more questions, but these are what come to mind immediately. Again, I apologize for a repeat thread. I hate to be so noob-ish, but the best way to learn is from those who are experts. Thanks to anyone who helps me out!


UPDATE (3/5 4:05PM EST): I found this list of drivers for my notebook, but it states " Selected operating system: Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium". Will these drivers not work if I install them in XP? Basically, I'm asking are drivers generally (or always, or never) OS-specific?

 

You will need to have all your notebook's drivers as XP versions and install them under XP. You should be able to access all your XP files from Vista and vice versa. However some programs installed under XP may not work under Vista and vice versa (because their information is written to different registries). May work, may not.

Grand Admiral

 

Bump. Still looking for some help por favor.

 

Funny, I installed XP home yesterday on my Aspire 5520 and it runs VERY fast but....I can´t boot Vista anymore. Have the exact same problem as you. Now, how can I create a dualboot without the Vista disk?

 

As I mentioned, I've only found one work-around for the problem, which is in a thread I linked to in the original post.

I haven't actually partitioned or anything yet as I am still looking for feedback on my questions to the process. If you use the method in that thread, let me know how it goes!

 

Forget all the dual boot guides you´ve read so far. Check this out: http://www.pronetworks.org/forum/about88231.html took me less then 2 minutes to do it. Why isn´t that freeware program in any guides? LOL!

 

Yaaay! Now I have Vista for stability and work and XP for gaming WEEEEE!

 

And WOW! What a difference, XP is like a ferret on e, compared to Vista on my laptop.

 

More bumpage. Haven't really gotten any input yet.

 

dude...

there are 5 BILLION walkthrus for every possible combination for dual booting on the internet.

GO GOOOGLE ON YOUR OWN. we are not your servants.

 

If you had actually READ my post, you'd be aware that I have been doing this. And quite extensively the past few days. However, I was hoping for some input from something with living tissue as opposed to pre-written material that can't elaborate on things I don't fully comprehend. I was under the impression this was one of the functions of a forum. I apologize for the misunderstanding.

I edited out the area in my original post where I proclaimed you all my "servants" though. Thank you.

 

The link you provided isn't really complicated, but it can be a little confusing. The important part is to download the repair disc ISO ( http://neosmart.net/downloads/guides/Vista_Repair/Vista_Recovery_Disc.iso) and burn it before installing XP. Once you have that disc in hand, follow this guide instead of anything you've read before:

http://www.syschat.com/dual-boot-vista-xp-vista-already-1946.html

When the tutorial tells you to install your Vista disc, install the repair disc you made. The steps may be a little different, but you should be able to get yourself to the command prompt to run the two necessary commands that will install the Vista bootloader.

Hope that helps.