Windows 7: windows 7 dual booting help.

Hi and thanks for reading and helping.

I created a new 300gb partition on my 1tb hdd currently running windows 7 and installed XP Pro onto the new partition using the standard methods.



After the XP install everything booting into XP and has been working fine, all drivers are installed and 2 hours later everything in smooth as butter...

Except I can't figure out for the life of me (after 10+ google searches) figure out how to get back into my original windows 7 install. I can't seem to get windows boot manager to come up when I boot.

Suggestions?? ^_^

Run the Windows 7 Startup Repair.
Startup Repair

Once you're running Windows 7
Add XP with EasyBCD
EasyBCD - Take control of your boot loader | NeoSmart Technologies
No need to register, just select "Download"

Agree - EasyBCD is the answer here. Ideally when installing Multi-Boot arrangement; start with the oldest version of Windows on the 1st Partition, then add other newer versions onto subsequent partitons, e.g.: Win XP on Part 1, Win Vista on Part 2, Win 7 on Part 3 (and then if your daring add your Linux "flavours" at the end).

However mutli-boot arrangements are definitely a thing of the past, provided that you have half descent hardware, e.g.: A Quad Core, and 4 Gigs of RAM (at least DDR2 800) I suggest that you take the path of OS Virtualization:

VMware Player: Run Windows 7, Chrome OS - Free Download for a Virtual PC

Once you Virtualize there is no going back, you can keep your Host OS running whilst rebooting your Guest(s) to your hearts content!!!

Your thread title seems to challenge (test) everyone's knowledge about your problem, and you are asking for suggestions.
So, i hope you don't mind if i turn that around and challenge you.

Did you read forum rules?
See rule #2 about thread bumping and multiple posts for the same issue.
Your duplicate post - http://www.sevenforums.com/installat...n-booting.html
I also suggest you read the forum FAQ - Windows 7 Forums - FAQ

Did you use Google advanced search to refine your searches?
Google Advanced Search

Did you look through SF Tutorials for help and documented instructions for your issue?
Tutorials - Windows 7 Forums
Windows 7 - Tutorial Index

Do you know this is a Windows 7 forum?
Your issue is with Windows 8 and Windows XP.
There is a Windows 8 forum - Windows 8 Forums

A few quick advanced searches and I found this. See if it helps answer how to solve your issue.
Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

hope this helps,
David

My post #4 doesn't make sense now, but I'm guessing an SF mod saw my posts in another thread and merged / deleted multiple threads as needed !

Thanks for the attention and action...

David