While the new Windows Vista/7/8 bootloader (known as bootmgr) can load Windows Vista and up directly 1, it doesn’t know how to start up older versions of Windows. The first part of this procedure is depicted below: usually by loading yet another binary file which initializes the environment bringing the machine out of real mode and into protected mode with virtual memory and launches the kernel. The code in the bootsector is then run, which typically loads a binary file from the root of the same active partition, which typically presents the user with a menu of operating systems to boot from (assuming there is more than one) and proceeds to boot into the selected OS…. The MBR then loads some more binary code in the bootsector of the active partition on that same disk. When you power on your PC, the BIOS is loaded which first detects and initializes basic hardware, then loads a small amount of binary code stored in the MBR of the primary boot disk. Regardless of what you’re booting – and even what bootloader you are using – the basic boot process starts off in the same way. If you’re not interested in the mechanics of the boot process and aren’t doing anything especially complicated, feel free to skip ahead to the step-by-step dual-booting instructions: The Boot Process No matter which version of Windows, MacOS or Linux you have installed, chances are that you can manage them all without any problems.This article refers to the technical aspects of the Windows XP bootloader and provides background information needed to fully understand how to correctly dual-boot newer versions of Windows (including Vista, 7, and 8) with Windows XP. Thanks to this tool you will be able to customize the boot options of your computer in a simple, fast and efficient way. You can also configure the main boot record (MBR) options, although it is usually better to leave the default ones.ĮasyBCD is one of the most powerful and useful multiboot tools on the market. All you have to do is choose the partition you want to work on and click on the Install BCD button. One of the most useful tools in EasyBCD is undoubtedly BCD Deployment, which will allow you to create a bootable external media in a matter of seconds. Otherwise, although it is very difficult to cause irreversible damage to the installation of the operating system, you can reduce the performance of your PC. As the name indicates, these are advanced options, which you should only change if you know exactly what you are doing. You can also set a limit on the number of cores you want Windows to use. In the case of Windows, for example, you can enable Hyper-V support or debugging mode. It is important to note that, by default, this new entry will appear at the bottom of your boot list.įrom the Advanced Settings tab you can enable or disable some additional boot options for each operating system. Once you have everything ready, you just need to click on the green button to add the new entry to the list. After this, you will have to choose the media on which it will boot: disk image, ISO, WinPE, floppy disk, or BIOS extension. The only thing you will have to do is to choose the operating system for which you want to create the new entry, choosing between Windows, Linux, Mac or NeoGrub. The Add Input tab will give you the option to create a new boot method, in a few seconds. This option, of course, is particularly useful for users who have two operating systems installed on the same computer, as it will give them much more versatility when booting them. You can even change the timeout time (30 seconds by default) or skip the boot menu itself. You will also be able to choose the desired default system, and the language in which you want it to start. From here you can easily change the order of the operating systems you have ready to boot. In the first of these tabs, View your configuration, you will be able to see a summary of your BCD (Boot Configuration Data).įrom the second tab, Edit boot menu, you start to find the really interesting features. In the menu on the left you can find all the program's features, perfectly ordered: View your configuration, Edit the start menu, Add a new entry, Advanced configuration, Copy or fix BCD, and Deploy BCD. The first thing you notice when you start EasyBCD is how simple and accessible its interface is. The program will allow you to boot virtually any operating system, both modern and old, and will allow you to boot from USB devices, disk images, virtual disks, and much more. EasyBCD is a tool designed to help you customize and enhance the boot process of your PC.
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