Windows 7: Dual boot problem???

Hi
Windows 7 x64 installed already. I followed tutorial for installing XP Pro on second partition. I renamed it XP , etc etc. But when I select advanced options, the formated ntfs Partition I prepared has a letter assigned and I cannot change it. Of course, Windows 7 shows up in choices as C:\ drive even if I could change the partition letter. What did I do wrong? I do have other drives, but evebn if they were not there, win 7 still would show up as the C: drive. Does the xp part have to be D: when installed? That doesn't sem right. D: or I:, why should it matter? Is Windows 7 suppose to be in the parts listed? I am pulling my hair out here.
Thanks
BTW-the other 2 SATA drives I have installed are hard to get at. I didn't think I would need to remove/disconnect them? If that is the cause?

Use the XP installer to delete, create again and full format NTFS the partition your created for it.

Ignore whatever letter it assigns. It is irrelevant.

After XP install, use EasyBCD 2.0 beta to add XP to the Dual boot menu. On Add/Remove tab, add it by name, type, then accept offered boot files to let it auto-complete drive letter, Save, restart.

OK-I'll give it a shot. I guess using the existing "already formatted partition" is the key (for my issue)-I have no problem with EasyBCD-used it many times.
The problem, as stated was/is that the hidden partition grabbed C:\ once I booted into xp and of course I could not change it. I'll try it again the way you suggest!
Thanks
Frank

You asked if the other HD's might present a problem.

Check in Disk Management to see if any data partition is somehow marked Active: if so it might derail the XP MBR to itself.

You can use free Partition Wizard bootable CD to Modify>Set to Inactive if necessary. Or check back here for Diskpart commands to mark any data partitions inactive.

Thank you for your help. I have partition Wizard installed. Windows 7 C; is only active partition,. But I did have a letter assigned to the hidden sys par. Maybe between that and all the drives? Before I try to disconnect the 2 other HD's(4 partitions all logical) Tomorrow morning I'll try what you suggested first.
I appreciate your help. I'll post back with the outcome tomorrow
Frank

If you really want D: to go to XP, and Sys Reserved is holding D, then you could release D and see if XP installer picks it up to assign to XP install.

If there remains a reason why you want the Sys REserved partition to have a drive letter and it is now holding D, you could change it to another drive letter to free up D, otherwise there are reasons not to have a letter on Sys Reserved.

Whenever I`ve done a dual boot, each system shows up as C: and the other as D: are you deleting the partition b4 you do the install?

Exactly what I want and have "always" had. I have been dual booting for many years. but always had the "older system" installed first. Now, with Windows 7 installed first I cannot get XP to install to C: or at least grab C: when I boot into xp

I guess I am not explaining it correctly. I don't want/need any thing assigned to the Hidden Partion. Please see the message I replied to below this.
Thanks

I was replying to your statement above that you had a letter assigned to the Sys Reserved partition.

Am not saying at all that you need or want one, only that if the letter you want is already assigned to Sys Reserved, you can change it or remove it with no problem.

It is hard to understand you fully. What does this sentence mean? Are you saying that between the Sys Reserved letter assigned and other drives taking up letters that you are unable to get D assigned to XP?

Which drive currently holds D letter? If it isnt' Windows 7, then change the D drive to another letter in Disk Mgmt and see if XP claims D as you desire during install.