OSS: Dual Boot (XP, Vista) with 2 different BIOS versions

[aodili]

Hello,

As I did not find a recent discussion covering my issue I am posting it.

Current situation:
- Toshiba NB (SatPro A200)
- 2 XP Pro installed
- OSS is active boot manager
- everything runs smooth using OSS

Additional hardware/software information:
Toshiba shipped NB with two OS - Vista and XP Pro - with two different BIOS versions. Depending on which OS you install, the correct BIOS has to be flashed before OS setup routine - or lets say "recover routine", as Toshiba only ships recover DVDs.

Future situation or "What I would like to have":
As Vista SP1 is available I would like to create a partition with Vista OS as a "playground" to get familiar with Vista.

Question:
I have basic knowledge about computer systems, meaning that I know what goes on when I switch on my NB - BIOS, MBR, OS.
What I do not know for sure is, if after OS selection using OSS the start routine is as it would be a start without OSS and the selected OS as only installed OS.

In other words, is there a BIOS interaction after OS selection using OSS and so I would need a BIOS version adapt for Vista when I select Vista?
I assume that there still is a BIOS interaction and so I am in need of the BIOS version adapted for Vista when I want to run Vista.

I know I could post this issue at Toshiba forums and I will do it depending on posted answers/hints/information here. I start posting my issue here to get a deeper knowledge about start processes using OSS.

Thanks for any answers and efforts for it in advance!

Best regards,
Andreas

[MudCrab]

Unless there is a specific reason XP won't work with the Vista BIOS version, I don't see a problem. As long as the updated BIOS doesn't change things so OSS won't work properly, it should be okay (the only way to find that out would be to try it).

However, the different BIOS versions may have different settings, power modes, features, etc. that are not compatible between XP and Vista. That shouldn't cause a problem with OSS but may cause a problem with trying to dual-boot.

If/when you proceed, be sure to create an Entire Disk Image backup (with TI, for example) before you start.

[aodili]

MudCrab,

Thanks for your reply.

As already posted I will go to next step and try to get more information about those different BIOS versions via Toshiba.

I will keep this issue update, but be patient as I do not want to rush it - to avoid things like lost data.

I have TI too, so disk backup is already on top position of my "To Do" list.

Best regards,
Andreas