Multiple Operating Systems

So, I want to attempt to have multiple operating systems on my pc, but I have no idea how to do it, I am current (and want to continue) running windows xp.

I found zboot as an option, but the website hasn't been updated since 2005. I also found VMware, but its not really what I want to do.

Is there a good (and free) way to do this without it being that much of a hassle?

re: Multiple Operating Systems

Which operating systems were you thinking of running on your system? Since Windows 2000, it has been no problem running various versions of WIndows next to each other. Installing a free version of Linux or Unix (e.g. a BSD flavor) shouldn't be a problem either - they come with a bootmanager (normally grub or lilo), allowing you to choose which system to boot while startup.

If you want to have several systems running at the same time, have a look at Xen.

Apart from that, we'll just need more information.

Greetings,
Nepomuk

re: Multiple Operating Systems

well, im not thinking about several at once, just allowing me to pick one at boot up (similar to how linux does it).

the other operating system i want to install is Windows 7 RC, but i might just end up using windows 7 in my desktop, and keeping windows xp on my laptop

re: Multiple Operating Systems

I'm dual booting with XP and Windows 7 Beta right now, I'll be installing the RC later this week. If you want to keep XP just make sure that you either install Win7 to a separate partition than the one that XP is located on, or on another drive.

After that you will be using the Win7 boot loader to either load Win7 or "Earlier Windows Version" which is XP.

Don

re: Multiple Operating Systems

hi
i got the same kind of problem, i was using xp and then i installed one another, the installation went fine, but when it got completed, the xp option is not coming at the startup and the second one is running by default

plz help

re: Multiple Operating Systems

What is "the second one" in your case? And did you install it on a different partition? Are you sure, it's still there? If so, I'm sure we can make it bootable again.

Greetings,
Nepomuk

re: Multiple Operating Systems

hello

second OS is windows 7, yes it was installed on different drive, and still over there.

Thanks and Regards

re: Multiple Operating Systems

Guys, one best and FREE boot manager I use to select OS at boot time is XOSL
try it to boot your desire OS in just one click. - yes its GUI base.