Dual Boot Vista 64 and 32

I would like to dual boot Vista 64 with Vista 32 which I will use as a
backup for compatibility problems with Vista 64 such as running Cisco's VPN.

I've read:
http://apcmag.com/5485/dualbooting_vista_and_xp

Which discusses making a Vista 32 which is installed first dual boot with XP
installed second. I assume a similar procedure would be followed for a dual
boot Vista 32 and 64 install. Am I correct?

Also, are the files (such as MS Word 2007) transferable between Vista 32 and
Vista 64?
TIA

Because they are the same version, both Vista 32 and 64 bit are
interchangeable, it doesn't matter which one you install first, just make
sure they are installed on separate drives or partitions. As for
transferring applications between the two, its possiblem but not reliable
especially since both are still architectually different. You will probably
receive that registry setting errors or the application is not installed
correctly.

But if you do install say Microsoft Word on Vista x64, you could try running
it from Vista x86 but browsing to the Program files (x86) /Microsoft Office
folder on the Vista x64 partition and launch the winword executable. Again,
not recommended.
--
Andre
Blog: http://adacosta.spaces.live.com
My Vista Quickstart Guide:
http://adacosta.spaces.live.com/blog...3DB!9709.entry
"David F" <> wrote in message
news:CEC2C3EA-1705-4EB1-BE68-...
>I would like to dual boot Vista 64 with Vista 32 which I will use as a
>backup for compatibility problems with Vista 64 such as running Cisco's
>VPN.
>
> I've read:
> http://apcmag.com/5485/dualbooting_vista_and_xp
>
> Which discusses making a Vista 32 which is installed first dual boot with
> XP installed second. I assume a similar procedure would be followed for a
> dual boot Vista 32 and 64 install. Am I correct?
>
> Also, are the files (such as MS Word 2007) transferable between Vista 32
> and Vista 64?
> TIA

Dual booting is certainly doable. It's not actually as hard as that link.
Since they're both the same rev, you don't need to do anything special. Just
be sure to install them on separate partitions. Also, let's be completely
clear. You need TWO copies of Vista to do this. You can't use one copy for
both under the licensing MS uses.

On applications? No, they will each need to be separately installed for each
version of Windows. And, depending on the licensing, you again may need two
copies.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/xperts64
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/charlie.russel


"David F" <> wrote in message
news:CEC2C3EA-1705-4EB1-BE68-...
>I would like to dual boot Vista 64 with Vista 32 which I will use as a
>backup for compatibility problems with Vista 64 such as running Cisco's
>VPN.
>
> I've read:
> http://apcmag.com/5485/dualbooting_vista_and_xp
>
> Which discusses making a Vista 32 which is installed first dual boot with
> XP installed second. I assume a similar procedure would be followed for a
> dual boot Vista 32 and 64 install. Am I correct?
>
> Also, are the files (such as MS Word 2007) transferable between Vista 32
> and Vista 64?
> TIA

"David F" <> wrote in message
news:CEC2C3EA-1705-4EB1-BE68-...
> I would like to dual boot Vista 64 with Vista 32 which I will use as a
> backup for compatibility problems with Vista 64 such as running Cisco's
VPN.
>
> I've read:
> http://apcmag.com/5485/dualbooting_vista_and_xp
>
> Which discusses making a Vista 32 which is installed first dual boot with
XP
> installed second. I assume a similar procedure would be followed for a
dual
> boot Vista 32 and 64 install. Am I correct?
>
> Also, are the files (such as MS Word 2007) transferable between Vista 32
and
> Vista 64?
> TIA
>


Instal each OS on a *seperate* partition.

as far as your data goes...
it does not matter which OS created it...a word document is a word document!

Thanks for the quick, detailed reply. I only want to be able to use
application documents (e.g. Word 2007 *.doc) on both 32 and 64. I would
install separate applications in both versions. That would work, correct?

"Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]" <> wrote in message
news:%...
> Because they are the same version, both Vista 32 and 64 bit are
> interchangeable, it doesn't matter which one you install first, just make
> sure they are installed on separate drives or partitions. As for
> transferring applications between the two, its possiblem but not reliable
> especially since both are still architectually different. You will
> probably receive that registry setting errors or the application is not
> installed correctly.
>
> But if you do install say Microsoft Word on Vista x64, you could try
> running it from Vista x86 but browsing to the Program files (x86)
> /Microsoft Office folder on the Vista x64 partition and launch the winword
> executable. Again, not recommended.
> --
> Andre
> Blog: http://adacosta.spaces.live.com
> My Vista Quickstart Guide:
> http://adacosta.spaces.live.com/blog...3DB!9709.entry
> "David F" <> wrote in message
> news:CEC2C3EA-1705-4EB1-BE68-...
>>I would like to dual boot Vista 64 with Vista 32 which I will use as a
>>backup for compatibility problems with Vista 64 such as running Cisco's
>>VPN.
>>
>> I've read:
>> http://apcmag.com/5485/dualbooting_vista_and_xp
>>
>> Which discusses making a Vista 32 which is installed first dual boot with
>> XP installed second. I assume a similar procedure would be followed for
>> a dual boot Vista 32 and 64 install. Am I correct?
>>
>> Also, are the files (such as MS Word 2007) transferable between Vista 32
>> and Vista 64?
>> TIA
>
>

"David F" <> wrote in message
news:5EDFD39D-FA4C-4886-92CD-...
> Thanks for the quick, detailed reply. I only want to be able to use
> application documents (e.g. Word 2007 *.doc) on both 32 and 64. I would
> install separate applications in both versions. That would work, correct?
>


That would work...but if you are just going to be using Microsoft Word...
you hardly need a 64 bit OS to do that...
I'd reserve Vista_64 for heavy apps that can take advantage of 64bit
extensions

That would be a sure way to do it, however, if you are going to install your
existing copy of Microsoft Office 2007 on both installations, you will need
to have a license for both operating systems.
--
Andre
Blog: http://adacosta.spaces.live.com
My Vista Quickstart Guide:
http://adacosta.spaces.live.com/blog...3DB!9709.entry
"David F" <> wrote in message
news:5EDFD39D-FA4C-4886-92CD-...
> Thanks for the quick, detailed reply. I only want to be able to use
> application documents (e.g. Word 2007 *.doc) on both 32 and 64. I would
> install separate applications in both versions. That would work, correct?
>
> "Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]" <> wrote in message
> news:%...
>> Because they are the same version, both Vista 32 and 64 bit are
>> interchangeable, it doesn't matter which one you install first, just make
>> sure they are installed on separate drives or partitions. As for
>> transferring applications between the two, its possiblem but not reliable
>> especially since both are still architectually different. You will
>> probably receive that registry setting errors or the application is not
>> installed correctly.
>>
>> But if you do install say Microsoft Word on Vista x64, you could try
>> running it from Vista x86 but browsing to the Program files (x86)
>> /Microsoft Office folder on the Vista x64 partition and launch the
>> winword executable. Again, not recommended.
>> --
>> Andre
>> Blog: http://adacosta.spaces.live.com
>> My Vista Quickstart Guide:
>> http://adacosta.spaces.live.com/blog...3DB!9709.entry
>> "David F" <> wrote in message
>> news:CEC2C3EA-1705-4EB1-BE68-...
>>>I would like to dual boot Vista 64 with Vista 32 which I will use as a
>>>backup for compatibility problems with Vista 64 such as running Cisco's
>>>VPN.
>>>
>>> I've read:
>>> http://apcmag.com/5485/dualbooting_vista_and_xp
>>>
>>> Which discusses making a Vista 32 which is installed first dual boot
>>> with XP installed second. I assume a similar procedure would be
>>> followed for a dual boot Vista 32 and 64 install. Am I correct?
>>>
>>> Also, are the files (such as MS Word 2007) transferable between Vista 32
>>> and Vista 64?
>>> TIA
>>
>>
>

"David F" <> wrote...
>I would like to dual boot Vista 64 with Vista 32 which I will use as a
>backup for compatibility problems with Vista 64 such as running Cisco's
>VPN.
> Also, are the files (such as MS Word 2007) transferable between Vista 32
> and Vista 64?

Hi David,

Not sure about the dual-boot thing, but ... be aware that you wil need to
purchase TWO Vista licences if you want to run both 32-bit and 64 bit Vista.

If you buy Vista in the retail pack, both 32-bit and 64 bit are included.
But to activate them both on the same machine, you will need two activation
keys. Yep, even on the same hardware! If you activate your 32-bit Vista,
then try to activate your 64-bit Vista with the same key (or vice versa),
you will get an error that the activation key is already in use.

Also, I would strongly recommend using a virtual machine tool, such as
Virtual PC or VMWare, instead of dual booting. Virtual PC is a free download
from Microsoft:

Virtual PC 2007
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...c/default.mspx

I have run a VPN client from within a Virtual PC machine, it worked fine. By
using a VM, you can have your 32-bit and 64-bit versions running
side-by-side, alt-tabbing between them, sharing files etc in real-time;
instead of needing to shut down and reboot, to switch between versions.
Install 64-bit Vista on the physical hardware, then install Virtual PC, then
create a new VM ("virtual machine") in VPC, then install 32-bit Vista into
the VM.

Other folks may be able to help you with the dual boot scenario, if you
really want to go that way. Personally, I have long since given up on
dual-booting, it is too much hassle and too error-prone. Whereas VMs "just
work". Main proviso is you'll want 2GB of RAM, or more, to support a VM.

Application data files (such as Word 2007 docs) work exactly the same on
32-bit and 64-bit Windows. Even on 64-bit Vista, Word runs as a 32-bit
application (there's no 64-bit version of Office).

Hope it helps,
--
Andrew McLaren
amclar (at) optusnet dot com dot au

Hi Andrew,
I'd like to go the VPC route but I'm a bit worried about hardware not
compatible with 64 bit mode and thanks to the VPC which does not support all
hardware (e.g. USB) unable to access it with 32 bit. Is this a possibility?
I travel a lot and might have a situation where I want to install some
hardware for something....

"Andrew McLaren" <> wrote in message
news:F5C52101-829F-443B-B5BE-...
> "David F" <> wrote...
>>I would like to dual boot Vista 64 with Vista 32 which I will use as a
>>backup for compatibility problems with Vista 64 such as running Cisco's
>>VPN.
>> Also, are the files (such as MS Word 2007) transferable between Vista 32
>> and Vista 64?
>
> Hi David,
>
> Not sure about the dual-boot thing, but ... be aware that you wil need to
> purchase TWO Vista licences if you want to run both 32-bit and 64 bit
> Vista.
>
> If you buy Vista in the retail pack, both 32-bit and 64 bit are included.
> But to activate them both on the same machine, you will need two
> activation keys. Yep, even on the same hardware! If you activate your
> 32-bit Vista, then try to activate your 64-bit Vista with the same key (or
> vice versa), you will get an error that the activation key is already in
> use.
>
> Also, I would strongly recommend using a virtual machine tool, such as
> Virtual PC or VMWare, instead of dual booting. Virtual PC is a free
> download from Microsoft:
>
> Virtual PC 2007
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...c/default.mspx
>
> I have run a VPN client from within a Virtual PC machine, it worked fine.
> By using a VM, you can have your 32-bit and 64-bit versions running
> side-by-side, alt-tabbing between them, sharing files etc in real-time;
> instead of needing to shut down and reboot, to switch between versions.
> Install 64-bit Vista on the physical hardware, then install Virtual PC,
> then create a new VM ("virtual machine") in VPC, then install 32-bit Vista
> into the VM.
>
> Other folks may be able to help you with the dual boot scenario, if you
> really want to go that way. Personally, I have long since given up on
> dual-booting, it is too much hassle and too error-prone. Whereas VMs "just
> work". Main proviso is you'll want 2GB of RAM, or more, to support a VM.
>
> Application data files (such as Word 2007 docs) work exactly the same on
> 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. Even on 64-bit Vista, Word runs as a 32-bit
> application (there's no 64-bit version of Office).
>
> Hope it helps,
> --
> Andrew McLaren
> amclar (at) optusnet dot com dot au
>

If you want to run Vista x64 in a Virtual Machine, the best recommendation
is VMWare Workstation which supports USB 2.0 devices.
--
Andre
Blog: http://adacosta.spaces.live.com
My Vista Quickstart Guide:
http://adacosta.spaces.live.com/blog...3DB!9709.entry
"David F" <> wrote in message
news:221D92B3-5205-412F-A37E-...
> Hi Andrew,
> I'd like to go the VPC route but I'm a bit worried about hardware not
> compatible with 64 bit mode and thanks to the VPC which does not support
> all hardware (e.g. USB) unable to access it with 32 bit. Is this a
> possibility? I travel a lot and might have a situation where I want to
> install some hardware for something....
>
> "Andrew McLaren" <> wrote in message
> news:F5C52101-829F-443B-B5BE-...
>> "David F" <> wrote...
>>>I would like to dual boot Vista 64 with Vista 32 which I will use as a
>>>backup for compatibility problems with Vista 64 such as running Cisco's
>>>VPN.
>>> Also, are the files (such as MS Word 2007) transferable between Vista 32
>>> and Vista 64?
>>
>> Hi David,
>>
>> Not sure about the dual-boot thing, but ... be aware that you wil need to
>> purchase TWO Vista licences if you want to run both 32-bit and 64 bit
>> Vista.
>>
>> If you buy Vista in the retail pack, both 32-bit and 64 bit are included.
>> But to activate them both on the same machine, you will need two
>> activation keys. Yep, even on the same hardware! If you activate your
>> 32-bit Vista, then try to activate your 64-bit Vista with the same key
>> (or vice versa), you will get an error that the activation key is already
>> in use.
>>
>> Also, I would strongly recommend using a virtual machine tool, such as
>> Virtual PC or VMWare, instead of dual booting. Virtual PC is a free
>> download from Microsoft:
>>
>> Virtual PC 2007
>>
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...c/default.mspx
>>
>> I have run a VPN client from within a Virtual PC machine, it worked fine.
>> By using a VM, you can have your 32-bit and 64-bit versions running
>> side-by-side, alt-tabbing between them, sharing files etc in real-time;
>> instead of needing to shut down and reboot, to switch between versions.
>> Install 64-bit Vista on the physical hardware, then install Virtual PC,
>> then create a new VM ("virtual machine") in VPC, then install 32-bit
>> Vista into the VM.
>>
>> Other folks may be able to help you with the dual boot scenario, if you
>> really want to go that way. Personally, I have long since given up on
>> dual-booting, it is too much hassle and too error-prone. Whereas VMs
>> "just work". Main proviso is you'll want 2GB of RAM, or more, to support
>> a VM.
>>
>> Application data files (such as Word 2007 docs) work exactly the same on
>> 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. Even on 64-bit Vista, Word runs as a 32-bit
>> application (there's no 64-bit version of Office).
>>
>> Hope it helps,
>> --
>> Andrew McLaren
>> amclar (at) optusnet dot com dot au
>>
>