Installing Windows Vista onto second hard drive

You'll need to purchase a "Full Version" of Windows Vista and boot from the Windows Vista DVD.  During setup, you'll see an option to install Windows Vista on the second hard drive.

--

Carey Frisch

Microsoft MVP

Windows Desktop Experience -

Windows Vista Enthusiast

                                                                 

                                            Another community answer from the Windows Vista newsgroups

For most users you have two ways to do a parallel installation of 32bit Windows Vista.  Boot with the dvd as Carey says and select the second drive or start Windows Vista setup from the XP desktop and select the second hard drive for the installation.  You cannot do this with an upgrade edition of Windows Vista and continue to use the existing XP because of a licensing requirement in upgrade editions that says you must discontinue use of the Windows you are upgrading from.  A standard (full) edition makes no such requirement even if you use its upgrade functionality in performing the installation so you want to purchase a full edition and not an upgrade edition.

Before you continue you need to ensure that you have Windows Vista drivers for your computer.  Windows Vista will most likely contain most if not all but there is no garuntee.  Check your computer mfg's website for drivers and for special instructions for upgrading to Windows Vista.

                          Another community answer from the Windows Vista newsgroups