Arch Linux

Depado

Member

Registered: 2013-02-28

Posts: 49

Archlinux first, then Windows ?

Hello there
I know that question must have been asked at least a thousand times but I am curious.

I have an Arch install that has been working for over 5 years. Now since I'm a developper some people asked me to do some C# with VisualStudio2010. So I guess I have to have a Windows to do so x)
My question is the following. If I buy an SSD with a rack (it's for my laptop) and install Windows 7 on it, can I boot on it ?
Because I don't want to format my hdd "just" for Windows. That would suck.

Thanks a lot

henk

Member

From: Weert, Netherlands

Registered: 2013-01-01

Posts: 334

Re: Archlinux first, then Windows ?

If you can set the SSD as your first hdd in the BIOS, you can boot Windows on it.

WonderWoofy

Member

From: Los Gatos, CA

Registered: 2012-05-19

Posts: 8,414

Re: Archlinux first, then Windows ?

I think if you use grub or syslinux to chainlaod windows, you can boot from it whether or noy it is set as the bootable drive in the bios.  So long as the firmware is able to poll for it during the bootloader stage.

Edit: Beware that windows like to think that it will surely be the only OS on the system.  So it might be wise to take your original HDD out when you install windows so that it doesn't think it can have its way with your MBR or anything.

Last edited by WonderWoofy (2013-05-23 16:47:01)

Depado

Member

Registered: 2013-02-28

Posts: 49

Re: Archlinux first, then Windows ?

Thanks for the advice
Will try that out if I have some time ^^