Dual Boot, 2nd PC or what?

[retired_member12]

I'm currently using a nice spec 64-Bit Vista PC for main use, but i'm finding that I still would like to run a number of software packages, and also some stand alone hardware, which only ran of the old 32-Bit XP m/c. They simply will not run and/or install in a 64-Bit environment.

I was thinking of setting up a dual boot into either 32-Bit XP (or Vista), but have read some horror stories about how things haven't gone well, etc. I didn't think it would be that big an issue, but now I dont know.

Can anyone recommend the best approach doing this, pitfalls to avoid, tips to make things easier, etc? I imagine it's something someone here has tackled before, and would welcome some savvy advice before jumping in.

My last resort is get a laptop just for this purpose, but i'd rather get it all in one PC of possible.

Cheers!

 

[Slater]

Install free VMware server and install a virtualised copy of Windows XP 32

If you still have the old machine you can use the free VMware convertor to P2V your physical machine into a virtual machine.

Use it to run XP on my Vista laptop for development work.

Mark.

 

[accelerator]

Yeah, I was also going to say VM Ware Products. VM Server is free and operates over your Local Network via the browser, and VM Workstation is a standalone product more geared up as a desktop app that you pay for. I could easily create a VM copy of my netbook, but unfortunately I ran into a few problems on my Vista Laptop which I've yet to get round to solving.

Rgds

 

[aZooZa]

I suggest you approach it a different way. Install single-boot, 64-bit Linux Ubuntu and run your Win apps in Wine or Virtualbox.

 

[retired_member12]

Thanks for those suggestions guys. I friend suggested a Linux approach, but i'm a complete noob where that's concerned, and i'm left wondering whether the apps (accounting based mainly) and hardware (digital recording & telephone monitoring) will run under that too.

Are the 'Virtuals' as effective as the real thing? All the software concerned wouldn't even run in the x86 folder of my Vista64. If a Virtual ends up being more effective, then great, but you have to wonder what effort Microsoft actually put into the x86 option to ensure 32-Bit capability!

 

[aZooZa]

Thanks for those suggestions guys. I friend suggested a Linux approach, but i'm a complete noob where that's concerned, and i'm left wondering whether the apps (accounting based mainly) and hardware (digital recording & telephone monitoring) will run under that too.

Are the 'Virtuals' as effective as the real thing? All the software concerned wouldn't even run in the x86 folder of my Vista64. If a Virtual ends up being more effective, then great, but you have to wonder what effort Microsoft actually put into the x86 option to ensure 32-Bit capability!

Audio/sound gets a little tricky with Ubuntu - I've yet to get my microphone working although I've not spent the time to research it but the answers are all out there. Microsoft don't put any time into supporting 32 apps running under 64 - they have no incentive to do it. I bought a HP Pavilion MM laptop with Vista on it, but scrapped Vista and haven't looked back since. I have never had a crash with Ubuntu.

If I were you, I'd back up any important data, then take the plunge. Keep this thread alive and come back with any problems. All this software is free of course. I'm off the Windows treadmill - hope to see you doing the same! I know there are a few of us converts here and I'm always happy to help.