Tri-boot Project Phase 2

Phase 2
(Phase 1 was the backing up my hard drives part btw)

I decided to start out by getting XP installed. I found a really good tutorial series that walked me through virtually every Linux/XP/Vista duel-booting sequence a person could thing of (except the tri-boot thing) Since Vista and Windows 7 are really close like Identical Twins, I used the Vista tutorial as a guide. (The guide can be found here)

Vista uses a completely different way to boot. XP uses the Boot.ini sequence. Vista uses a system called a Master Boot Record (MBR) Indecently, This is much harder to edit then Boot.ini. (which isn't easy to edit to begin with) Fortunately there is a nice freeware program called EasyBCD (which can be found here) that simplifies the process.

As I was getting XP installed (and doing the dishes, researching and taking care of a sick friend) I got the drivers installed. Most were not hard to find as my machine is an OTC Mass produced E-machine W-3400 with some additions to it, like a WiFi card and a sound card. (there is also a $100 laughing fine that will be charged for anyone making fun of my crappy machine. All proceeds will go to getting me a sweet-assed custom built top of the line gaming PC.)

I did run into one bit of a problem with getting my WiFi drivers installed. It turns out the Manufature of my Wireless card, Buffalo Technologies, is in the middle of a lawsuit with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) for copyright infringement. Because of this, They are not allowed to support there devices. (Details can be found here) The good news is that OpenDrivers.org did have the drivers backed up on there site. So all well and good.

Tomorrow I head into uncharted territory as I install Windows 7 and attempt to duel boot the system.