If you are using Windows Vista and you’d like to install Windows 7 Beta on the same machine with a Dual Boot option, here is what you can do:
I- CREATE A PARTITION IN VISTA
1- Start Windows Vista
2- Click START (bottom left corner)
3- Inside the “Start Search” field, enter “diskmgmt.msc” then press ENTER from your keyboard
4- Pop message will display, accept and continue: DISK MANAGEMENT window will open
5- Right click on (C:) VOLUME and select “Shrink Volume“: SHRINK C: dialog will open (your C: drive should be in NTFS format)
6- Allocate 10GB (at least) to the new partition, then click SHRINK button
7- Once the Volume is shrinked, right click the SPACE you have just created and select NEW SIMPLE VOLUME
8- Once you are done formatting the new volume, you be able to view it inside the window.
You have partitioned your Vista drive.
II- DOWNLOAD WINDOWS 7 BETA
1- Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx
2- Scroll down the page and select the version you need for your system (32 or 64 bits machine)
3- Once selected you will be redirected to Sign In window
4- Login with you MS e-mail account or create a new one
5- On the next page save the product key and begin Download
III-BURN WIN7 ISO FILE TO DVD
1- Once you have downloaded the Install file from MS web site you will need to burn it on a DVD
2- If you want a free DVD burning software, you can go to http://www.imgburn.com/, download and install the basic free version they offer
3- Then Write the image file Windows 7 Beta to Disc
IV- INSTALLATION
1- Now you have created an Installer on your DVD, restart your computer and Boot from the DVD (if it’s not the case you will have to change the Boot order inside your computer BIOS)
2- Select an option for each drop down menu on the first window (Language, time, keyboard…) and continue
3- When it comes to choose the partition to install Windows 7, make sure to select the partition you have just created (otherwise you might wipe your VISTA partition) and continue
4- Installation will begin
5- Enter SERIAL KEY and complete installation (this will take a moment)
6- Enter your new Windows Login and Password and continue to complete the install
7- Once Completed, you can reboot: there you will have the choice between WINDOWS 7 or WINDOWS VISTA