Install Windows 8 on HP G62 Notebook

Hi there.

I'm trying to dual-boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 in the same machine.
Before doing something this risky on the host computer I tried to install Windows 8 in a VM using VirtualBox but I got an 0x0000005d error similar to the screenshot below:



which means my CPU doesn't seem to support the NX (Non-eXecute) or XD (eXecute Disabled) bit feature (or at least doesn't have it enabled).
I proceeded to check with CPU-Z and going to the model page on HP's website and both of them seem to imply that the NX feature is available for my CPU.

Here's the CPU-Z screen:



The problem is that even though I have the "Hardware Virtualization" feature enabled in the BIOS, it seems like there's no option available regarding said NX (or XD) bit by default. The BIOS software is InsydeH20 Rev 3.5, version F.32.

Is there a way to be able to install Windows 8 on said computer that doesn't involve having to upgrade the BIOS software?

Thanks in advance.

Check to see if HP have test the HP G62 Notebook for Windows 8.
Windows 8 Upgrade Instructions | HP® Official Site | HP® United Kingdom

~OP:

You also could see if the Win8 upgrade assistant provides you with useful info about the compatibility of your machine and Win8.

theog, apparently the model I have hasn't been tested with Windows 8 by HP yet.
znod, the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant tool you mentioned reports that NX is either disabled or my CPU may not support it. So it must indeed be disabled since HP's official website for the characteristics of the model says the feature is supported, the problem is there's no BIOS option available to enable it.

Did the upgrade assistant imply that you would have problems installing Win8 on your machine as a dual boot?

No such thing is mentioned in the report.

OK, then, consider that your dual boot may go well (enough). If you want to try it, then just be sure that you prepare to return to your original setup if things go badly. I've always had very good luck with Acroinis True Image through Win7. Paragon Hard Disk Manager also has a good reputation.

Here is a very good tutorial: Dual Boot Installation - Windows 8 and Windows 7 or Vista. Things are a bit more complicated if you want to run under UEFI, but I am thinking you don't.

Is there an option in the Windows 8 installation process that if it detects my PC isn't compatible with Windows 8 it will abort the installation and return to (the already installed) Windows 7 without messing anything up?

I mean I want to test if I can install Windows 8 or not but don't want to take the risk of losing anything on my current Windows 7 installation.

If installing on 2 drives, then you could unplug the Win7 drive when installing Win8.