Can Dual Boot Windows Share a Data Partition?

I dual boot Windows XP and Windows 7. Can these operating systems share a common data partition?

To be more specific: Can I set aside a partition for documents, music, pictures, etc. that both OSes can read and write to?

 

Yes. You could have a string of other partitions and both OS would see them. Unless you choose to hide some partitions with a boot manager.

 

Thank you. This is actually my first time dual booting.

If I can ask one more question: Say I create a document while in Windows XP and store it in a shared partition. Can I edit this document while in Windows 7, and vice versa? This won't mess up the document, or get the operating systems confused?

Just to put a fine point on it: This 'shared partition' is one that is accessible by all users in either OS.

 

It shouldn't cause any problems. I do it all the time with many different OS installations.

I just make standard folders for my files on the shared data. I don't "move" the My Documents folder and then try to share that. It may work, but I won't want links to system folders on the shared partitions. It's much simpler to just use standard folders.

 

Thanks to you both.