Windows 7: Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

What is the necessity of having a copy of DISK0 partitions on DISK1? If you need to backup an image of Windows 7 from DISK0 I would use Windows 7 backup imaging to save it to an external HD or a single partition on the right end of DISK1 which you create NTFS Primary for that purpose: Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

Then I would unplug DISK0, set DISK1 as first HD to boot in BIOS setup, boot the XP install CD, see if it will detect DISK1, delete the first two partitions, create a New partition there and Full Format before installing XP as desired.

If XP installer won't see DISK1 to install, it is because it doesn't have the SATA controller necessary. You can insert it at F6 prompt during initial driver-loading phase if you have a floppy drive. If not, you'll have to slipstream the SATA controller into XP installer using this method: SATA Drivers - Slipstream into Windows XP CD

Once XP installs and starts up, power down to plug back in HD0. Set the preferred HD as first HD to boot in BIOS setup, then boot the other HD as needed using the one-time BIOS Boot menu key.

I know you have another thread going somewhere here now, but I can't remember if you were asked if you've considered running XP virtually using Virtual Box, Virtual Player, etc. Or have you tried to install XP programs which are balking in Windows 7 using Compatibility Mode?

No necessity, just preference.

I'm not running AHCI and doubt I'll need to load SATA drivers, but I've slipstreamed with nlite before ...

I'm used to juggling HD's, etc, so thats no problem, but ...

Wherever possible, I'm totally committed to using non-MS methods. If I can get the job done with, say, Partition Wizard, that is the way I need to go. the 104 pages in this tutorial thread serves as partial evidence why I'm avoiding MS stuff.



It would've helped a bunch if this tutorial had dealt with the 100mb 2nd partition up front. :-(

I'm still uncertain about the "one-time BIOS Boot menu key", 'tho you'll likely admit that it is an unnecessary hack. My Asus P7H55D-M board has:

Delete - BIOS Setup
Tab - Display BIOS Post Msg
F8 - Boot Menu
Alt F2 - EZ Flash 2

In any event, I'd think that a boot-manager is better suited for choosing an OS.

Special Win7 multi-boot config. problem

the next to last entry has some answers.

Thanks,
P

The F8 Boot menu key is the one-time BIOS Boot menu key I was obviously referring to, not some hack.

Forsooth, you are correct, it doesn't look like a hack.

But the Asus boot-up screen goes by sooooo fast (on mine, anyway), it's super-easy to miss. And EasyBCD will allow me to set the wait time. Etc, etc.

P

Then use EasyBCD 2.0 to add the other OS using the steps in this tutorial, since booting via the BIOS isn't optimal for you.

great guide dude !!

Hmm, it sounds like XP shouldn't recognize your SATA HDD, but it does with mine. Something wrong?

Hello Zinic,

I guess that you may have had the SATA drivers included in the XP installation already??

Yes, that must be right.

I am having a different problem now. After I install XP, when my computer restarts, it boots to the CD w/o my command (you have to press any key to boot from CD). I tried making it boot to my HDD, but it still boot from the CD. So I took the CD out and tried again, but this time I came up with an error, saying it was missing a file.

I have never got passed the installation. I have installed many times, but still can't get the OS to work after it boots.

Zinic,

If XP was finished installing when this happens at the restart point, then you might see if using the suggestion in the yellow TIP box under step 6 in METHOD TWO may be able to help with this.