have windows 7 installed now want to add xp pro

have windows 7 installed now want to add xp pro , dual boot . How can I do this without erasing my windows 7 . thanks everyone .

A Google search turned up this tutorial: Install Windows XP in Dual Boot with Pre-Installed Windows 7

Reading through it, this is not something for the faint of heart to attempt, unless you add a 2nd hard drive and install XP there, then it gets somewhat easier.

It would be much easier to install XP then install Windows 7. That would automatically create a dual boot setup for you.

Just found this link in a later post here: Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

Any reason that XP has to be done in a dual boot environment...versus using some virtualization software and running XP as a virtual machine?

Total said:

have windows 7 installed now want to add xp pro , dual boot . How can I do this without erasing my windows 7 . thanks everyone .

Depending on the version of 7 you have, you can install Windows XP Mode and not need dual boot.

MacGyvr said:

Total said:

have windows 7 installed now want to add xp pro , dual boot . How can I do this without erasing my windows 7 . thanks everyone .

Depending on the version of 7 you have, you can install Windows XP Mode and not need dual boot.

Download details: Virtual PC 2007
try thi link. You can download a free virtual pc there.

The disadvantage that I can see in installing XP in virtual pc is
if the virtual pc got corrupted you might not be able to retrieve your data.

Use Method Two in this excellent tutorial: Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

Thanks for all the replies :) Appreciated

Re: XP in a virtual machine. It's not as easy as it sounds. I've been messing with Sun's Virtual Box off and on for a month or so and though it works well, some things are very hard to get working right. USB is a chore as is using the CD-RW or DVD-RW drive. Printer support is also a pain at times.

I've had no success at all getting my HP scanner to work in the XP VM.

Also, if Windows 7 dies for any reason, you lose XP as well. Dual boot will at least give you XP.

Exactly what programs will not run correctly in Windows 7? Most all Xp programs can be run in Windows 7, or in compatibility mode.

Windows 7 doesn't "die" - with a Win7 backup image stored on secondary or external, it takes 15 minutes to reimage the HDD or a replacement, including your dual boot if you go that route.