Multi OS

**Noobeedoo** · Jan 4th, 2009, 12:14 pm

Hello guys.

I haven't tried it yet, so I have to ask. Is it possible to run 3 different OS in 1 PC ?

Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows Server 2008

Thanks.

**Purple Rain** · Jan 4th, 2009, 12:16 pm

It certainly is. Just use something like Boot Manager.

**Noobeedoo** · Jan 4th, 2009, 12:22 pm

Any recommendation ? What Boot Manager software would you recommend CS?

**Purple Rain** · Jan 4th, 2009, 12:28 pm

I use this one GAG, the Graphical Boot Manager Has lots of features and is a Graphical Boot manager

* Allows boot of up to 9 different operating systems.
* It can boot operating systems installed in primary and extended partitions on any available hard disk.
* Can be installed from nearly all operating systems.
* GAG doesn't need its own partition. It installs itself in the first track of the hard disk, wich is reserved for these kinds of programs. It can also be instaled on a floppy disk, without using the hard disk.
* It has a timer to boot a default operating system (selectable by the user).
* The configuration menu can be protected with a password.
* The program works in graphic mode (needs a VGA or better graphic card), and has a lot of icons.
* Hides the primary partitions which allows the user to have instaled more than one DOS and/or Windows in the same hard disk.
* Allows a password to be put on each operating system, denying access to non-authorized people.
* Allows the boot manager text to be translated to all languages.
* Can exchange disk drives, allowing to boot from the second, third... hard disk operating systems such as MS-DOS.
* Has the SafeBoot system, that allows to boot your hard disk even if GAG is accidentally overwrited.
* Supports a great variety of keyboards (QWERTY, AZERTY, QWERTZ and DVORAK keyboards).
* Fully support for hard disks up to 4 terabytes (4096 gigabytes).
* Full version and free software (distributed under GPL licence, with source code)

I might actually write a blog of how to tripple boot with 3 versions of Windows, Will send you a link when I have completed it

**Noobeedoo** · Jan 4th, 2009, 12:51 pm

I have that in my google search result list earlier and is one of the two options to install.. The other one is OSL2000 Boot Manager - An Advanced Multi Boot Manager ..

What do you think? Should I go with GAG, the Graphical Boot Manager ?

Noobeedoo added 8 Minutes and 22 Seconds later...

Originally Posted by CompuSupport

I might actually write a blog of how to tripple boot with 3 versions of Windows, Will send you a link when I have completed it

That would be priceless.. Finish the article asap so I could bookmark it for reference..

Include details of your installations.. the order of OS installation and etc..

You could PM me the blog link.. Wooot!

Thanks.

**Purple Rain** · Jan 4th, 2009, 12:54 pm

Will do, and I recommend GAG rather than OS loader. Just seems easier to use. I will start work on the post now.

**loco** · Jan 4th, 2009, 4:46 pm

I've always just partitioned off the drive and put the OS I want in each partition

**Purple Rain** · Jan 5th, 2009, 6:29 am

It's more complicated than that when you involve 3 OS'es

CompuSupport added 801 Minutes and 8 Seconds later...

Noobeedoo, I am having some trouble actually getting this to work properly. Until I have them running successfully the blog post will have to wait. I don't wanna tell you to do something that isn't going to work. Hopefully it's just something silly.

**Big Dan** · Jan 5th, 2009, 6:55 am

Have you guys tried EasyBCD? I had great luck getting it to triple boot XP, Vista, and Ubuntu.

Download EasyBCD 1.7.2 - NeoSmart Technologies

**Purple Rain** · Jan 5th, 2009, 7:13 am

I will try that. It's the Vista/Server08 that is causing the trouble as I have done it fine with ubuntu, but S08 it doesn't like

**loco** · Jan 5th, 2009, 9:53 am

Originally Posted by CompuSupport

It's more complicated than that when you involve 3 OS'es

um,, well it wasn't for me :shuh:
I've had xp, ubuntu and kunbuntu on a drive before and the boot screen had 3 options?

maybe I got lucky

**Noobeedoo** · Jan 5th, 2009, 10:13 am

those buntus and ubuntus and whatever **tus .... nosebleed for me.. just need windows multi OS stuff here..

**Purple Rain** · Jan 5th, 2009, 10:13 am

Originally Posted by loco

um,, well it wasn't for me :shuh:
I've had xp, ubuntu and kunbuntu on a drive before and the boot screen had 3 options?

maybe I got lucky

Its the fact that it's three Windows Installs. Vista/Server 08 are extremely similar and i think this is what's causing some difficulties. I got one of my nerdy friends popping round later, she seems to think she will be able to do it, so fingers crossed.