x(perts)64

I've been running both XP x64 and Vista x64 in a dual boot scenario on my Ferrari 4005 laptop. It runs well, and I love it. BUT, every time I re-install a new Vista build, I run into problems. Should I do an upgrade (usually not a good idea) or a fresh install. And if it's a fresh install, should I format the partition. Well, this last time, I formatted the partition (C:). Which worked fine for getting in to Vista, but I lost my access to Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. Bummer. Here's what I had to do to fix it.

1. boot from XP x64 CD
2. select Repair Console
3. select XP x64 as the Windows to boot to.
4. enter administrator password
5. run fixboot
• run bootcfg /rebuild
• Say yes to add the XP x64 to the boot list
• Enter an identifier for it
• Blank for OS Load Options
• cd D:\
• copy nt*.* c:\
• exit
6. reboot - you're now in XP x64
7. run easyBCD
• click Manage Bootloader
• check Reinstall
• Click Write
• Exit
8. Reboot

Also, see my earlier blog post on multi-boot in general.

Update: Darrell suggests a link to Knowledge Base article 919259 would be a useful addition, and I agree. Title is: 919529 Windows Vista no longer starts after you install an earlier version of the Windows operating system in a dual-boot configuration

Thanks, Darrell

Charlie.

The latest pre-release build of the powerful new Microsoft shell and scripting language is now available for download here:

If you haven't started working with PowerShell, you should. This is our future for scripting in Windows, and it's an exciting and highly functional language.

Note: Currently, there isn't a version of RC2 for Vista. We expect it soon, though.

Charlie.

Microsoft has made the Release Candidate 1 (RC1) version of Windows Vista available for download or ordering on their web site.  This is build 5600, and I've been using it for a couple of weeks now. It's much better. I'm excited, because I've been able to use the 64-bit version of RC1 as my primary operating system on my Acer Ferrari laptop. This is a very much better build, and in my opinion, worth loading and working with.

Yes, there are still issues - it's a BETA, OK? But they're far fewer. Networking is much improved, though still no 64-bit drivers for my D-Link DWL-AG660 card that will work properly in 64-bit. (This is true of all Atheros based cards - which is most of the 802.11 a/b/g cards.) And there's still problems with downloading books from Audible.com to my Creative Zen Nano. But UAC is definitely less annoying, and I haven't been tempted to turn it off yet - that's a good sign. There are still some missing 64-bit drivers, but none that have been show stoppers for me yet.

Charlie.

The RC1 version of Vista is out for Technical Beta testers, and should be out for MSDN/TechNet shortly. The rest of the community can expect to see it shortly after the MSDN folks get their hands on it.

I downloaded it yesterday, and burned it to DVD late last night. Install took approximately 40 minutes (including human time when I wasn’t there to answer a prompt) on my Ferrari 4000 for the x64 Edition. As with all x64 versions of Vista, there is no upgrade path from XP Professional x64 Edition. You must do a clean install. I’ve installed Vista RC1 in a clean, dual-boot, scenario on the Ferrari. But I expect to move to x64 Vista full time as soon as I get everything installed. Looks good so far.

Charlie.