Dual partition OS

lanham5680,

I have used a third party program like Partition Wizard Home Edition and made separate partitions on the computer, then install the operating systems on each partition.

Rick

lanham5680,

I own a Dell Inspiron B130.

If your system came with Dell Media Direct, you need to install this on the hard drive before installing the operating system.

You should have a Dell OEM disk with the operating system, mine reads XP SP3.

The procedure is How To Restore or Reinstall Microsoft® Windows® on a Dell™ Computer

Very IMPORTANT to install the drivers in the correct order. How to Download and Install Drivers in the Correct Order

Rick

Yes, but there are several things you should be aware of.

Do you plan on doing a clean install of both XP and Vista, or is one already installed?

What system are you wanting to install these on?

theflash1932,

Let me join this members other thread and you can help them with the procedure.

Thanks,

Rick

theflash1932,

I provided the basics. I'm sure that you can help this member in a more timely manner than I can. With my work schedule, I sometimes disappear for a day or two for rest. The information I provided is above.

Thanks for helping.

Rick

Thanks rick ... didn't realize he had another thread out there.  I'll wait for him to post his current status and needs/issues before posting more, as now I feel like I'm joining the conversation in the middle.

Rick the Inspiron 1300/B130 came with Dell Media Experience and not Dell Media Direct. This was basically an earlier version of Media Direct but was just an application, no need to install a MD partition etc.

lanham5680 To install Windows XP and Windows Vista, it is recommended to format the drive completely and then install Windows XP, then Windows Vista. Likely that is why you are just getting the starting Windows Screen. Follow my wikies A Clean Install of Windows for best results. P.S. the XP disc should look one of these:

The Dell Reinstallation CDs can work on any Dell laptop/desktop but there will be issues using them on a no-Dell system. Legally XP Home can only be installed on a Dell system with an XP COA. XP Professional can legally be installed on a system with an XP Pro COA, Vista Business COA, Vista Ultimate COA, Windows 7 Professional COA and Windows 7 Ultimate COA.

As you have done it the other way already, repairing your Windows Vista installation may work. To do this boot from the Windows Vista disc (F12 at BIOs) and select repair your computer.

Note this system doesn't work fantastically with Windows Vista and Dell have listed no Vista drivers for it however the ones here work fine on Vista/7 32 bit. To get full functionality of Dell Quickset a little extra work has to be done as indicated. Windows 7 runs alot better on this machine than Windows Vista. I doubt the Dell Media Experience will work well with Vista or 7 and I didn't really the program anyway. For Windows XP use the drivers here.

The Windows Vista disc should likely be a retail disc.

Rick:  I do not have the complete set as shown. The first disk I have tried to install is (Opersting System, Reinstall CD Win XP Home Ed) It loads "Setup is loading ( all files loaded ok), Setup is starting windows. At this point the computer crashes.  Tech Info   *stop 0x0000007e (do you want all?)  *pci.sys address f85480bf base at f8541000 datastamp 3bd855c. The only way to clear is to shut off power.  Other disk I have are (Application, Backup: Dell-installed programs), (Drivers and utilities, Dell Inspiron computers for reinstalling winxp system software.  If you don't have these I'll gladily swap them for what I might need.

lanham5680,

Your options...

You can follow the advice of natakuc4 and theflash1932

If you live in the United States, Request Backup Disks USA if in another Country, Contact Dell Tech Support in your Country.

I think you'll find that following the advice from the above members, you'll get nice results.

Rick

lanham5680,

I like to have the operating system disk in case something goes wrong. In the newer models, you need to create your own disks. If you try to make the disks, and you cannot, request the disks.

Your Dell Inspiron B130 is an older model, mine is still running. If memory serves me correctly, you can only have 4 partitions on the older models.

Since you're limited to RAM, it probably is slow compared to the newer systems.

Glad you got everything working! :emotion-21: Thanks for posting back.

Take care,

Rick

TO: Rockstar Rick K and to The Flash1932

            Between both of your inputs.

            I have my Dell 1300 (B130) up and running, it appears that I was unable to load that Win XP home disk correctly. I will try it out on a Dell desktop that I have just to see if it was for desktop only. I have transfered ownership and requested the orginial Win XP home ver.  FOR ANYONE OUT THERE = "When you buy a NEW computer", goto the stores/support and get an orginial system install disk as it comes off the shelf and you won't have a quarter of the problems that I have had. It may cost a few bucks, but, well worth it....         To the dual format: I partition the harddrive using the brands harddrive utility software, then install the Win XP ver first, then installed the Vista second.     This, now,  allows me to run some of them older loved programs without having two computers.       I tried loading Win 98 on a third partition, for the fun of it,   NOT GOOD.

I rather purchase the discs and then take an image of them with imgburn. I personally would rather avoid Dell DataSafe and the factory settings.

Rick:

I reinstalled my Windows XP on Dell OptiPlex GX260 but now it has 4 Bit video and I cannot connect to internet explorer.

When I checked the device manager it had Yellow sign next to

Video Controller

Multimedia Audio Controller

And Ethernet Controller

What should I do ? I don't have drivers cd .

Thank you