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I am preparing for the Customer Preview for Windows 8 and I would like to have both Windows 7 and Windows 8 on my computer (dual booting).

However, I Don't want to lose my current data on Windows 7. Is there a tool where I can create a new partition for Windows 8 (customer preview) but also keep my current Windows 7 install?

Free is best but if I have to do a paid app then I will.

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There are lots of free tools. Which ones have you tried? –  Ramhound Feb 27 '12 at 18:48
none... I'm looking for the best one (recommended). –  webdad3 Feb 27 '12 at 18:56
If you have a HP or other Notebook, see this before trying to shrink or add any partitions, only applies if you have 4 pre-existing partitions from the manufacturer...h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Other-Notebook-PC-Questions/… –  Moab Feb 27 '12 at 22:10
My preferred method has always been to run GPartEd from a Linux live boot. –  SaintWacko Feb 27 '12 at 23:47
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2 Answers

up vote 3 down vote accepted

Windows 7 has this ability built in. You can shrink your current volume and then create a new volume in the unused space.

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This option worked great for me! Thanks! –  webdad3 Mar 4 '12 at 15:18
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An option to run both Windows 8 and Windows 7 is to boot to VHD. This will let you choose to boot into either Windows 8 or Windows 7 and you won't have to worry about partitions.

The performance hit for virtualizing the hard disk is minimal. Everything else runs on bare metal.

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