Windows 7 / XP dual boot install error-even after following tutorials

I have a Windows 7 installation (x64). I wanted to install windows xp 32 in a dual boot scenario for some backwards compatibility hardware issues (video stuff).

Anyway, I read the various tutorials and I have used nlite to put sata drivers into my win xp install iso/cd.

My problem is that windows xp won't install. I get the hard drive error message DURING the install (ie, the first time xp asks you to reboot, but long before it tries its various installation things).

I have tried the various things associated with this, Easybsd, a Windows 7 restore and using fixmbr/etc. I can get BACK into windows 7, but setting up the menu is pointless because xp never installs correctly to begin with. It seems that the guides on fixing this error message are assuming you get it after xp completes its install and tries to boot -- instead, I am getting the error DURING the install. I get a /windows directory on my partition, but it clearly isn't a complete install because I never see the windows install screens with the pictures, estimated time, etc.

Thanks so much for reading.

In addition have you tried virtualizing XP in Win7 which is much easier than struggling to get an XPired OS installed onto new hardware that doesn't want it? Freeware like VMWare, XP Mode, Virtual Player and Virtual Box are worth a try.

Most XP programs can be made to run in Compatibility Mode.'

Absent those then work with Kaktussoft to get your drivers slipstreamed, make sure you're using an XP SP3 installer.

Thanks everyone. I am using an sp3 installer package (tried two, in fact). My motherboard is Gigabyte and I got the sata drivers from their site -- I'm not entirely sure they are needed, since like I said the installation can 'see' the new partition initially -- but when it attempts to reboot that first time, death.

The error message changes each time. Sometimes, it has been "error reading from hard drive" and others it just hangs and weird characters appear.

Either way, the only fix is to restore to windows 7, fix the mbr/etc.