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    HP recovery disc, will it work on a fresh install?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by CXK, Oct 18, 2009.

  1. CXK

    CXK Newbie

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    I'm wanting to reformat my new laptop and install Windows XP on a small partition for a certain program, and then install Vista on my other partition. Is it possible to do that with the Recovery discs? I dont have a Vista install disc, and im nervous to try without a way to go back to Vista.

    Also, if this were to work, which OS should I install first if I want Vista to be my main one? When the laptop starts up and its sitting on the screen where you choose your OS while the 30 second countdown starts id like it to sit on Vista by default. Should I install Vista first or XP to make that happen?
     
    CXK, Oct 18, 2009
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  2. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    The recovery disc installation will only work if the laptop has it's original configuration. If you changed the HDD it won't work. You can install Vista afterwards. Just google to see how it's done.
     
    kanehi, Oct 19, 2009
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  3. BondEternal

    BondEternal Notebook Consultant

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    Short answer: No. HP recovery disks cannot be used because they will format your hard disk completely and restore it to original factory settings, which means that all your data and partitions that you have created will be gone. You can only use Vista/XP retail disks for the clean install and dual-booting.

    As for the dual booting, a quick search on Google would tell you (same way it told me) that it is possible to do it both ways. Here: dual booting guides
     
    BondEternal, Oct 19, 2009
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  4. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    except for some very specific circumstances, dual/multi boot has been made obsolete by the use of virtual machines.
     
    newsposter, Oct 19, 2009
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  5. CXK

    CXK Newbie

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    Thanks for the help! I had no idea I could add XP with vista already installed. :)
     
    CXK, Oct 21, 2009
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  6. CXK

    CXK Newbie

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    I followed the instructions but during the XP install where it starts to load the drivers when the disc is inserted i get a blue screen. I've been searching google to find a solution but nothing seems to help. Any ideas?
    Edit: I have the DV6T-1200 model
     
    CXK, Oct 25, 2009
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