Windows 7: Dual Boot Win7(x64) and WinXP(x32) Install Problems

I am having a difficult time setting up the subject dual booting on my recently built gaming pc despite numerous guides found on the web. None of the guides seem to address quite what I'm wanting to do, or at the very least don't give answers to the problems that arise.



My rig is an ASUS Rampage III Extreme running Windows 7 Pro (x64) on two 60GB SSD's operating in Raid 0 on a Sata 6GB/s Marvell controller. There are two 500GB data HDD's operating in Raid 0 on an Intel ICH10R controller. A JMicron Sata controller runs an eSata connector on the front panel. The ODD also runs on the Intel controller. I have 12GB of DDR3-1600 RAM and two ATI HD5870's running in Crossfire. The CPU is an i7-930 with air cooling and there is a 1000W PSU.

I am wanting to install Windows XP Pro (x32) SP2 on a separate 160GB Sata HDD connected to the Intel controller. Each time I attempt the install I get a STOP: 0x0000007B error which won't let me go any further. The error comes up immediately after the install finishes loading files. From what I can gather on the web this error can be caused by lots of things but mostly I'm focusing on Drive controller problems. I have tried to slipstream the RAID drivers with the XP install CD. I have also tried to install XP to the separate HDD with the other drives disconnected. Something about what the install process is seeing (or not seeing) after file loading is stopping me.

Here are the questions that come to mind:
1. Could the fact that the Intel controller is configured for RAID be making a problem for connecting a single (non-RAID) drive to it?
2. Do I need to slipstream Sata drivers even though I'm using a Win XP SP2 install CD? I thought SP2 gave Sata support to XP.
3. Is there some way that the 12GB of RAM is confusing the 32bit install?

Right now I'm not sure what to try next and would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

John Hixson

As your OS is Windows 7 Pro, have you tried XP mode.
Windows XP Mode - Install and Setup

The RAM limit on 32 bit XP is 4gb, 64 bit is 128gb.

I'd change the SATA controller setting on the HD controller to IDE mode.

If it still doesn't detect the drive then you'll need to slipstream SATA controllers which are sparse in XP CD.

Best to use XP Mode instead of futzing with an XPired OS.

I had to give up on trying to install XP for dual booting. Just couldn't seem to make an nLite-generated install CD (with slipstreamed SATA drivers) that would work.

So I tried your suggestion of Windows XP Mode and it worked right off the bat. Thanks for the suggestion; I'd never heard of it until you replied. I think it will serve my needs nicely; of course, it doesn't help those that don't meet it's requirements.

Anyway, thanks. John Hixson

You are welcome.