Windows 7: Partitioning HD to run both Windows7 and XP

Not sure if this is even possible but I just got a new laptop with Windows7 installed and one of my programs won't load (says it's not compatible with 7). This program was working fine on my XP laptop.

Is it possible to partition the new HD and install XP on the second partition? Like I said, I'm not sure this is even possible and would like to save what's already on the 7 HD. All comments greatly appreciated.



Don

Hiya and welcome to the forums
Have a looky here pal Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

Are you confident about doing it ?

Thanks for the quick replies and it is nice to know it can be done. Have read through the tutorial and, for me at least, it is a bit intimidating. Think I'll put this on the back burner and just use the old laptop when I need to use that program. Thanks again for the replies, have a great weekend.

Don

If you have Windows 7 Professional or upwards you can install Microsoft's XP Mode under a virtual PC - the software is free.

Windows XP Mode - Install and Setup

If you really do want to dual boot Windows 7 and Windows XP then one of us (me included) would be happy to walk you through the process step-by-step.

Just to save some time and disk space, have you tried running the program / installer in XP compatibility mode? That's worked for at least one of my balky programs. On the program file just right-click / properties / compatibility / select the OS compatibility mode you want to try. May just save you from dual-booting.

The XP Mode in Windows 7 works great. However if you don't have Windows 7 Pro, (but have your old XP cd), you could always try running a free VM software too. Fairly straight forward to set up and run.

With either the XP Mode or other Virtual Machine you would have access to your program without having to reboot. Although dual booting is fine when done correctly, in my opinion running a VM is the best way to go in your situation .....