Windows 7: Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

The tutorial of Startup repair method one seems to be on Vista...but I am on XP..
Here is the screenshot u wanted..

Plzzz help me in detail, step by step as I am a basic user
"accept XP boot files, let it autocomplete, Save" where I will find this part? I don't understand, clarify plzzz

Hello sayem3250, welcome to Seven Forums!


A Windows Operating System (any Windows OS) cannot boot natively from an Extended partition / Logical drive, the Windows System boot files must be stored on a Primary partition to execute properly, your Windows 7 is on an Extended partition and cannot boot from there so that Logical drive must be converted to a Primary partition so the "System" boot filer can be (re)created there.

Start by using Option One of this tutorial linked below to convert the Windows 7 Logical drive to a Primary partition.

You may have to move the data on the D: Software Logical to another location first and delete that Logical for this to work, there cannot be 2 Extended partitions separated by a Primary partition.

Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD

Then use the info in this tutorial to mark the Windows 7 partition as Active and do the 3 separate startup repairs to (re)cerate the "System" boot files to the new location, this should also add a boot entry for XP to the Windows dual boot menu at PC startup.

Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

Be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

Bare Foot Kid....Many many thanks for helping me so quickly.
But I have a query that Why I have to keep backup for drive D(software). My Windows 7 is on Drive E!! clarify plzzz...n sorry to bother you.
Can I write Partition Wizard Free Bootable CD in a DVD with other softs?...will it act as bootable then if I do so?

If I'm sure what you are asking, no it has to be on a CD by itself so it will boot the PC.

Boot Priority - Change - Vista Forums

Did you try Steps 7-12 in the tutorial's Method Two?

You can also try running Startup Repair on Windows 7 to see if it will write its boot files to XP, perhaps configure the Dual Boot in the process. Mark XP Active first in Disk Mgmt.

br0...Yes I followed method two step 7-12 properly.
Following your instructions I attempted startup repair 3 times...every time it said BootManagerFailed....

Did you mark XP partition Active first before running Repairs? Post back another screenshot so we can see.

Have you tried Barefoot's suggestion to use PW CD to convert Windows 7 partition to Primary so it will mark Active and accept the System Boot files after 3 Startup Repairs? Then you can install EasyBCD to 7 to add XP.

As he explains you may not be able to convert E in the middle of the Logical Extended partition bordered by Green (and meant to be used for Data, not OS's).

Another option to try is to use PW CD to shrink the Windows 7 partition to about 40gb, then shrink XP by the same amount, copy Windows 7 partition into the space created, then convert it to Primary, mark Active, highlight the HD so from the Disk tab you can select Rebuild MBR. If Windows 7 then fails to start, run 3 Startup Repairs.

Wait to delete the original Windows 7 partition you've copied until you know this will work. Then you can Resize the Logical Extended partition from the left to make more room to size XP and Windows 7 partitions where you want them.

I have a Compaq Presario CQ62-402AU with Windows 7 preinstalled.When I tried to follow this tutorial to have a dual boot system with XP I ran into a major problem streight away.The BIOS on this PC will not let me boot from CD ?
This a notebook PC that I only bought a couple of months ago, so how do I get into the BIOS to alter the boot settings ?

How to Boot your Computer from a Bootable CD or DVD

Enter BIOS setup as shown in tutorial above, set DVD drive to boot first, then HDD.

You should then get a prompt to "Press any Key' when you start with DVD in drive. If not, confirm the ISO and burn another DVD using ImgBurn at 4x speed, or write ISO to flash stick using this tool with Windows 7 in dropdown: Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux

If no prompt to "Press any key" then try using the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key given on first boot screen.

Next check the mobo connections for data and power cables to OD, clean it and disk. Swap in another OD or try USB install method given.

First check for all the Win XP drivers for your hardware.
You can check your HP/compaq PC here:
General XP Downgrade Guide for HP Laptops - HP Support Forum
NOTE: Please read this thread fully.


If your Win XP CD, does not support your Sata Controller, you will need to load drivers to uses at F6.
Load Sata Controller drivers with a floppy disk is the best way.
SATA Drivers - Load in Windows XP Setup on Dual Boot
OR
SATA Drivers - Slipstream into Windows XP CD




System Restore Points - Stop XP Dual Boot Delete - Vista Forums