Dual Booting Windows 8 and Windows 7 with UEFI

[FukenGruven]

Just wanted to share my experience w/setting up a Dual Boot for Windows 7 and Windows 8.

- This is mainly for newer computers w/UEFI.
- If you don't have UEFI.. then you can simply install as normal.
- Also.. this is for clean installations..

This is what i did...

Backup activation
Copy "spp" folder in System32\spp. (ensure hidden files is enabled prior to copying)
Use "OEM-DM" to extract the OEM Key from the BIOS.
This can be used to activate Windows 8.0 or 8.1.. even if your computer came with Windows 8.0.

Install Windows 8 first
ensure you select the correct version that matches the SKU of your Windows 8.
burn it to DVD.
now..go into the BIOS, enable LEGACY. (this will automatically disable SucureBoot)
go into Boot Options, select CD/DVD-Rom drive as first boot device.
boot from the DVD and begin to install Windows 8.
select "Custom" installation.

Now.. here's the important part.. you must partition correctly..
since you're reading this tutorial..
im assuming you want to Dual Boot Windows 7 & 8.
So you'll need atleast 2 partitions.. 1 for 7, 1 for 8.
I also recommend making a 3rd partition for personal Data, PortableApps, etc.
So as an example.. let's use 3 partitions.
Use a calculator and divide your drive space into 3,
then create the 3 partitions as equally as possible.
Windows 8 will automatically create 3 additional partitions:

• a 300MB Partition for Recovery,
• a 100 MB Partition for System,
• and a 128 MB Partition for MSR (Reserved).

Go ahead and let Windows 8 create those partitions.. they are important...
so to recap.. there should be a total of 6 partitions: 3 for us.. and 3 for Windows 8.

Format each partition..
then highlight the drive where you want to install Windows 8.
and install.

SETTING UP WINDOWS 7

im not sure if this works for x32 ..
i installed Windows 7 x64.
im assuming by now.. you have Windows 7 burned onto DVD.
Go back into the BIOS.. > go into Boot Options > select "CD/DVD Drive with UEFI".
(this is very important.. if you do not see "with UEFI".. this will not work.)
Boot from the CD/DVD-ROM Drive and select "Custom" installation.
Once you're at the partitioning screen..
select the drive you want to install Windows 7 on,
then click Next to install.
(An error will pop up stating: something about "GPR is not recommended" or something.. just click OK and it will continue)

TIPS

Switching between Windows 7 or 8
i switch between Windows 7/8 in Windows Environment...
by right-clicking "My Computer" > "Properties" > "Advanced System Settings" > "Startup and Recovery" > and selecting either Windows 7 or Windows 8 as the Default Operating System.
I also uncheck "Time to display list of operating systems".
This causes either Windows 7 or 8 to boot w/out being prompted by the BIOS during the boot process.

Enabling "LEGACY" support causes watermark
Go here to download the hotfix.

HP UEFI, RSA, and OEM Activations
HP UEFI uses RSA encryption.. rendering BIOS Modding nearly impossible..

If you are hellbent on OEM activation or unlocking the Advanced Menu screen, you can ask Donovan for help or contribute and he'll do it for you.
i would recommend installing Windows 7 VL Edition.. then use Microsoft Toolkit 2.3.2 by CODY to activate w/KMS.
I recommend v2.3.2 because it will run out of the box under Windows 7. If you use the latest version.. it requires .NET Framework 4.5.
I was hesitant to use KMS because i was under the assumption it required Internet. (It does NOT)
It uses an emulator which activates against 127.0.0.1.
It's also light and discreet.
Microsoft Toolkit allows custom Tasks: which i set to reactivate at every boot, waiting 1 minute. And whenever the PC is idle.

Install Windows 8 first:
If you plan to Dual Boot Windows 7 and 8.. install 8 first and follow the tutorial above.
This is easier because Windows 8 will automatically create the required partitions.
Where as if you install Windows 7 first.. the required partitions for Windows 8 are not created.

Reactivating Windows 8 with your backed up Tokens & OEM key:
If your computer came with 8.0, and you're installing 8.0 .. you can simply copy the "spp" folder over in Safe Mode.
If your computer came with 8.0, and you're installing 8.1: you have to copy the "spp" folder over in Safe Mode > and activate with the OEM key Online.. by clicking "Activate" in "My Computer" > "Properties"..

Install Windows 8 without Internet connection:
This makes it easier to avoid being forced to use an Online identity as your PC account.
There are ways to undo this but from my experience.. it's easier to disconnect the Internet.

Recovery Options, Restoring with Backed up System Images

This is also different with UEFI.

Previously, i was able to simply press HP's hotkey "F8" to access the "Repair computer" option,

which allowed me to restore my PC with a backed up System Image.

This no longer works.. the computer will produce an error once past the "Repair computer" option.

You have to make a new Repair Disc in Windows 7.. this will create the required disc for UEFI support.

Once the disc has been made:

• Shut down the computer.
• Put the Repair Disc in the Drive. (this is important.. otherwise UEFI will not detect the drive)
• Now boot back into the BIOS > select Boot Options > and now the CD/DVD-ROM Drive will appear.
• Select it.. and Windows will boot right to the System Recovery screen.

USB 3.0/2.0

Many new machines come with USB 3.0 but do not support Windows 7.

Obviously.. you have to search around the web for drivers.. but it is possible to find.

This problem arises again in System Recovery.. the USB 3.0 port is not recognized.

If you're using an external HD for backups.. make sure you try all USB ports if Windows does not detect your drive.

Edited December 30, 2013 by FukenGruven

[child]

Thanks for such a good tutorial... I really nee this.