64 bit XPpro

[D.Arbib]

I tried to install 64bit Vista RC2 (as precursor of full Vista) on physically independent slave drive "D"whilst retaining 32 bit XPpro/SP2/IE7 on my default drive "C". This apparently created a confusion as on a re-boot both drives were shown as default and neither would open normally (nor in safe mode). Tried to change this both in boot.ini and in System/Advanced/Startup & Recovery/ Edit but changes were disallowed.

In the end, after I had tried everyting including wiping the default drive, I had to re-install from scatch and tried the same process with 64 bit XPpro with precisely the same result. My question is, essentially, can this be done and/or does the 64 bit version always take precednce or can't the "mbr" handle both?

What am I doing wrong? I have asked Microsoft and get no sensible reply. Help

[allen2]

When your install Vista or XP, the install process rewrite the MBR with its code without trying to modify the existing parameters.

One thing to do would to try using the Bios Boot Selection menu (if your bios have it) to choose from which disk you want to boot. This way vista or xp would have a MBR on each disk. Another way to do it would be disable or unplug a drive when installing the second OS. I suggest you install first XP Pro 64 bit on first drive then unplug or disable it and then install vista rc2 on the second drive. This way it should be ok.

Another solution would be to use vista bcdedit : http://g.msn.com/9SE/1?http://download.mic...CS=AWP&SR=4