Windows 7 on original HDD and 8 on SSD

[BrGaming]

My computer came with windows 7, but I want to upgrade to 8 but still be able to use 7. If I get an SSD would I be able to install 8 on it then just switch the boot drive for witch ever one I want to use?

 

[USAFRet]

My computer came with windows 7, but I want to upgrade to 8 but still be able to use 7. If I get an SSD would I be able to install 8 on it then just switch the boot drive for witch ever one I want to use?

Yes.
Select the desired drive/OS at boot time.

I have a laptop configured similarly. 2 partitions, not drives. But Win 7 on one, and 6.1 Preview on the other. (Gotta update that to the official release soon)

EDIT: Change 6.1 to 8.1

 

[lonewolf7]

Yes you can do that. Just make sure to unplug the other drives(if any) when you install Win 8 on SSD. After the installation you can make changes in BIOS, from which drive you want to boot from.

You need a bootable media(DVD/USB) to install OS.

 

[photonboy]

I don't recommend doing that.

Once you have Windows 8, there would be very little reason to be booting into Windows 7. If you avoid the new interface with a program like Start8 then Windows 8 feels just like Windows 7 anyway.

I did a dual-boot once just for the challenge then I went "great, I did it" and deleted the older OS.

 

[geofelt]

Good question.
I have heard conflicting opinions.
Some say that a w8 upgrade will invalidate your w7 license.
Others say no.

Is there some capability of w8 that makes you want to do an upgrade?

 

[photonboy]

Good question.
I have heard conflicting opinions.
Some say that a w8 upgrade will invalidate your w7 license.
Others say no.

Is there some capability of w8 that makes you want to do an upgrade?

An UPGRADE invalidates the W7 license.

You need to purchase a new copy of Windows if you wish to dual-boot. I think that's a waste of money since Windows 8 arguably adds little. I recommend W8 for new systems but NOT if you already have Windows 7.

If you still want it, then it works THIS way:
1. Buy Windows 8.1 64-bit OEM ($95)

2. Read how to properly install as Dual-Boot W7 and W8 and do it
(basically, just insert the W8 Install disc and install to a separate drive and it should configure the dual-boot)

3. Install all the proper drivers, software, apps etc.

You'll then have BOTH copies of Windows working, with a choice on boot-up as to which to use.