Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP


  1. Posts : 40
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #2220

    I have installed XP and 7 ultimate 64bit both on the same drive without problem.
    Install XP FIRST formatting the drive to whatever size you want to use. ie 500gb drive make it 250 gb to install XP To.
    Install XP get it up and running , updated and all you want to put on it, defrag it and check it is OK.
    Then install W7 in the unformatted part by by formatting and making the unused space a primary partition. then install Easy BcD and that should allow access to XP and it should work without any problem.
    Do the registry edit in XP to hide the W7 system from XP so that you don't keep losing the W7 system restore.
    Files from 7 you can place into XP directly but files in W7 you can't see from XP.
    I started with a clean drive that had been written to with 1's and 0's and so was totally clean.
    If you are installing to separate drives you can install each OS to its own drive and use the machines bios to choose which to boot into. best to install XP to one drive then remove the drive then put in the other drive and install W7, OR you can install Easy BCD.
    You will still need to do the registry trick to stop XP seeing W7 as it will still delete W7 system restore files.
    Why you have so many partitions beats me and without further details I can't be more specific.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 64-bit
       #2221

    Since I had established the Win 7 installation several years ago I was hoping to save it but came to your conclusion, there was no good way to install Win XP after Win 7 was installed. Win XP ended up as a drive letter other than C: and with all the programs that do not let you choose the install drive this was not an option. Have Win XP and Win 7 installed now, both startup as C: and I will just have to repopulate the Win 7 programs. Luckily I have all my data on a separate drive which is still good. Thanks for your reply.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #2222

    RRR If your Dell ran XP what`s the problem.

    How it should be done..

    Delete the entire drive to unallocated space, then use the XP installer to create 2 Primary partitions, then install XP 1st and 7 second.

    You will then end up with a dual boot screen.

    The best way to do it is to install each OS on separate drives, while one drive is unplugged, when you`re done your `st install, disconnect the other drive, do your other install. Then hook up both drives, and set one OS as your default, then use the Boot Menu to boot into the other system when you want to.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 64-bit
       #2223

    As mentioned, since I had been running the Win 7 installation for about 2 years I was hoping to preserve it but, as you say, you have to install XP first then 7. Thanks,
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 40
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #2224

    Glad you got it sorted, nothing more annoying when things don't go according to plan.
      My Computer


 

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