Dual Boot Windows 8 RP

'Dual boot' means allow two operating systems to run independently on one PC, by installing each one on separate partitions on the same hard disk. Then, the desired operating system can be chosen each time the PC starts up. For example, dual boot Windows 8 with Windows Vista/7 in same computer.

If you have a Windows 7 PC but aren't sure you're ready to upgrade to Windows 8 yet, a dual-boot system might be a good way without having reformat your current OS or lose your last saved documents.

Start Screen Metro UI

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Pre-requisites:
1) Windows 8 Release Preview ISO
2) Blank DVD-ROM/RW disc (4.75GB)
3) Hard drive free space

Phase 1: Create Partition

The initial step is to create a partition on your hard drive, a chunk of space that's reserved exclusively for Windows 8. You'll need at least 16GB, or 20GB if you're loading Windows 8 64-bit.
Give the OS plenty of breathing room: at least 30-40GB.

Use MiniTool Partition Wizard to create new partition. Select Move/Resize Partition under Operations and you can slide to side and left the free space as Unallocated space. After that, Format Partition on Unallocated Space as NTFS.

You can divide equally the hard disk (for example in 500GB hard disk, 250GB for Windows 7 and 250GB for Windows 8). Don't forget to Apply Changes. Your computer will be prompt to restart and begin partitioning operation, this might take a hour depend on the size of your hard disk.

Phase 2: Burn Windows 8 RP

Download official Windows 8 Release Preview ISO

Select specific type you want to install Windows 8 (I choose 64-bit (x64) for the best).
Once downloaded, verify your ISO/DVD images by comparing SHA1 Hash

If SHA1 dismatch, that's mean you would probably get error during installation.

Then, burn the ISO images into blank DVD disk using burner applications (Nero Burning ROM or Astroburn Lite). Use a suitable low speed around 4x - 8x to ensure proper burning of each file on the disc.

Phase 3: Install Windows 8 RP

1. Insert a bootable Windows 8 DVD you burned into your PC, then reboot it to begin Windows 8 installation.

Note: If your system bypasses the drive and boots straight into Windows 7, you may have to do some tinkering in the system BIOS. Press ESC to enter BIOS setup and boot into DVD disc.

2. During boot (on black screen), you are prompt to press any key to continue the installation. Follow the onscreen instructions, you'll need a product key to install Windows 8 Release Preview.
KEY:  TK8TP-9JN6P-7X7WW-RFFTV-B7QPF

3. Click Install Now to process. Choose Custom install not Upgrade, then select the new partition you created or you will overwrite your existing installation.

4. Finally, click Next to begin the installation process. This will take about 20 minutes, after which your system will boot Windows 8 and run you throught the usual initial-setup stuff. You can then personalise your StartScreen color, create username and save settings.

5. From now on, when you boot your PC you'll see a start-up menu that gives you a choice between Windows 7 and Windows 8. If you want Windows 7 to remain the go-to operating system, click Change defaults or choose other options while this menu is visible, then click Choose the default operating system.

Tips: You can manually do this after log on to your Windows 8. Press the Windows-key + R, enter msconfig.
On Boot tab, set Windows 8 as default, and you also can change timeout seconds for auto-selection during start-up. Apply and restart the configuration.

// Stay tuned!