I just spent the week fiddling around with a dual boot - Windows 7 and Linux Mint. The first Linux OS I tried was Ubuntu. Sadly, I just cant jump on the Linux bandwagon... way too many frustrations both aesthetically and work-ability. At least I tried, Linux isn't easy.



Next logical step, because I still desire two separate Operating Systems, dual boot Windows. Its too early for Windows 8, but I would like either XP or Vista as my second OS (preferably XP). Would one of the two be more favorable over the other (reliability wise)?

It looks like its easier than dual booting Windows with Linux, but I still don't want anymore hickups... as much as I liked the desktop style of Mint Cinnamon, I've had enough frustrations

I only have Windows 7 OEM right now. I know "full" version is required for dual booting, but does it matter if its OEM or Retail? GParted gets favorable remarks.

Other than that, it looks fairly straightforward; I don't have to deal with stacking or filesystem options like with Linux/Window dual booting. Any tips, hints, or tricks?

My planned partition design:

• Main Hard Drive
  • 20GB - Windows XP
  • 60GB - Windows 7
  • 100MB - Windows 7's boot
  • ???MB - Windows XP's boot
  • 400+GB partition
• Backup Hard Drive

I don't want to try or emulate other systems, I actually want two separate working environments. I'm assuming VB is a no go?

I'm currently looking into EasyBCD

needhelp!...can i use my existing/installed os to use it as my virtualbox disk image file rather than to create a new vdi on oracle vm virtualbox?