windows 8 and 8.1 dual boot


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Hello All

Has anyone of you tried to dual boot 8 and 8.1?

I would like to try first before changing as I got a software problem when I updated through the store. I have seen a few tutorials with 8.1 preview like here though just like to see if someone here has also done it.

Thanks

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Shouldn't have a problem doing it.

 

Install Win 8 first, then boot off the Win 8.1 disc and perform a full install on another disk\partition. Should detect another operating system installed and turn the boot menu on. If not, use bcdedit to fix things.

 

Can't say I've ever done it, but I can't see why it wouldn't work. Suppose it's easier than the days of editing boot.ini, or writing your own menu (config.sys\autoexec.bat), and even going further back and using IBM Boot Manager (shoutout to OS/2 users).

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Why not look into a solution for your software issue with 8.1 instead? It's much easier than setting up a dual-boot configuration.

 

Another way to test: Virtual machines.

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Shouldn't have a problem doing it.

 

Install Win 8 first, then boot off the Win 8.1 disc and perform a full install on another disk\partition. Should detect another operating system installed and turn the boot menu on. If not, use bcdedit to fix things.

 

Can't say I've ever done it, but I can't see why it wouldn't work. Suppose it's easier than the days of editing boot.ini, or writing your own menu (config.sys\autoexec.bat), and even going further back and using IBM Boot Manager (shoutout to OS/2 users).

Jared, thanks. I would hope it is easier. I'm not entirely new to multiboot though not done with W 8.

 

 

Frank B.

Posted Today, 09:01

Why not look into a solution for your software issue with 8.1 instead? It's much easier than setting up a dual-boot configuration.

 

Another way to test: Virtual machines.

Frank, yes I know this option. I want to try the dual boot as it would be faster as I do not have to start all over again. Dual boot 8+8.1 try the software and if ok finish all installations and remove 8.0-done. Just keen to see/hear from experiences.

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Have a read of this:

 

Overview of Boot to VHD:

http://blogs.technet.com/b/haroldwong/archive/2012/08/18/how-to-create-windows-8-vhd-for-boot-to-vhd-using-simple-easy-to-follow-steps.aspx

 

More technical guide:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh825691.aspx

 

I use this method to multi-boot up to 5 different VHD's (Windows 7 - 8.1 update / x86/x64) on the same physical machine for testing & development. On start up I'm presented with which OS I'd like to enter via the Windows 8 boot screen.

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Have a read of this:

 

Overview of Boot to VHD:

http://blogs.technet.com/b/haroldwong/archive/2012/08/18/how-to-create-windows-8-vhd-for-boot-to-vhd-using-simple-easy-to-follow-steps.aspx

 

More technical guide:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh825691.aspx

 

I use this method to multi-boot up to 5 different VHD's (Windows 7 - 8.1 update / x86/x64) on the same physical machine for testing & development. On start up I'm presented with which OS I'd like to enter via the Windows 8 boot screen.

Aergan

Thank you. :)

I have used the software in Windows 7(Fusion VM) and it worked satisfactory. I would expect that it should also work in 8.1 in a VM.

My head is just stuck on wanting to create a dual boot standard partition to try and if it works continue installing all software in w8.1 and delete the old (original) W8 when ready. It would mean I can work and set it up in spare time?

Am I on the wrong track........... :unsure:

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You can go from VHD on VM to VHD on physical or convert VHD to physical but you'll likely need to go via sysprep /generalize /shutdown beforehand:

 

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc721940(v=ws.10).aspx

 

Failing not to sysprep will likely result in BSOD / boot failure due to going from synthetic or virtual drivers to real hardware - particularly IDE -> SATA and No APIC to APIC modes for I/O access.

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You can go from VHD on VM to VHD on physical or convert VHD to physical but you'll likely need to go via sysprep /generalize /shutdown beforehand...

 

Hi Aergan

I have prepared a USB install and have continued to the point , just before installing. Just to see if there would be anything that would pop-up.

 

Got the following:

"Windows cannot be installed on this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style."

How come, as the existing install is a  win 8 pro? Would you be able to elaborate?

Thanks

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Hi Aergan

I have prepared a USB install and have continued to the point , just before installing. Just to see if there would be anything that would pop-up.

 

Got the following:

"Windows cannot be installed on this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style."

How come, as the existing install is a  win 8 pro? Would you be able to elaborate?

Thanks

 

Your USB install must boot using UEFI mode, not legacy mode. That means formatted as FAT32 (Not NTFS as one would for a legacy WIndows 6.X install). Use Rufus to prepare your USB: http://rufus.akeo.ie/

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Your USB install must boot using UEFI mode, not legacy mode. That means formatted as FAT32 (Not NTFS as one would for a legacy WIndows 6.X install). Use Rufus to prepare your USB: http://rufus.akeo.ie/

Aergan

Done exactly that(just have to recheck) as also shown here with Rufus.

Maybe something went unnoticed wrong while setting up Rufus and loading the iso? Is it GPT partition scheme for UEFI?

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Just checked mine, I have all three setup as "FAT32 + GPT for UEFI computer" - Windows 8.1 Update x64 Professional, Windows 8.1 Update x64 Enterprise and Server 2012 R2 Update x64.

 

On my Dell, I have to disable legacy boot mode to force it to boot in UEFI mode otherwise it automatically boots into legacy mode.

 

Good tutorial of the process here:http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/15458-uefi-bootable-usb-flash-drive-create-windows.html

 

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Aergan

It took some effort though I made it, and it works perfectly the way the dual boot is setup. Nice interface.

Thanks for all your efforts! :)

 

No worries, glad you're sorted.

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