Special Win7 multi-boot config. problem

Greetings,

Many weeks ago I built a new desktop system around an Intel Clarkdale i5-650 and Asus motherboard. Installed a newly licensed copy of Win7-64 Home Premium OEM. After weeks of installing programs, configuring, etc, I find that Win7 is not the system on which I choose to place primary reliance.

I'm used to multi-boot with legacy Windows, allows me to do standalone backups, etc with common partitioning software. I now need XP Pro and my Win7 in multi-boot config.

My Win7 now occupies 2 partitions on one of my 2 new HD's. I need to install XP and consolidate Win7 into the standard single partition (not necessarily in that order).

Is there any way to get to XP/Win7 multi-boot without re-installing Win7?

I have 2 500gb SATA HD's, Partition Wizard, etc to work with.

Thanks,
P

When you have separate HD's it is best to Dual Boot via the BIOS Boot Order or one-time BIOS Boot Menu key which every computer and mobo has.

This keeps the HD's independent to come and go as you please.

To achieve this unplug your Win7 HD when you install XP, set it first to boot in BIOS setup.

After XP install, power down to plug in the Win7 HD, set preferred HD as first HD to boot in BIOS setup, then boot the other OS as needed by using one-time BIOS boot menu key.

Have you considered running XP in a virtual machine in Win7 until you can resolve the issues you have with it? Many programs and drivers can also be installed and run in Compatibility Mode.

Hopalong X said:

Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

I am using the Method Two in the tutorial I posted. The Easy BCD software gives you a "Boot screen" choice after bios screen to choose Win7 or XP.

Mike

Some details, please.

You have executed Method 2? Did you start with 2 Win7 partitions? If so, what was done with the infernal 100mb partition??

Thx,
P

gregrocker said:

When you have separate HD's it is best to Dual Boot via the BIOS Boot Order or one-time BIOS Boot Menu key which every computer and mobo has.

This keeps the HD's independent to come and go as you please.

To achieve this unplug your Win7 HD when you install XP, set it first to boot in BIOS setup.

After XP install, power down to plug in the Win7 HD, set preferred HD as first HD to boot in BIOS setup, then boot the other OS as needed by using one-time BIOS boot menu key.

In the past, I've stored bootable partitions on 1 HD, and backups thereof on the 2nd drive. It's worked pretty well.

Also am having trouble finding any "one-time BIOS boot menu key" on my system.
Is there another name for it?

gregrocker said:

Have you considered running XP in a virtual machine in Win7 until you can resolve the issues you have with it? Many programs and drivers can also be installed and run in Compatibility Mode.

I would choose to avoid emulation whenever possible, prefer to make native use of my hardware. Also, my Win7 Home Prem. supports not XP emulation.

Thx,
P

The Boot menu Keys for Asus are ESC, DEL, or F8