Advice on Dual-Boot 7/XP

Hello,

Peambule:
I'have just register, my name is Pepito and I , first of all, want to thank you all
for all the tutorials and tips.It strongly helped me in installing Seven !!
Now, I need advice on building a dual-boot with Xp

My wishes : a dual-boot 7/Xp, Seven been already installed

1) install an Ide drive from one of my olders Pc (1 ide connector available on MB)
this drive has 2 partitions : C:\ and D:\ and Xp installed on C:\

2)First, is it possible ?
what will happen at start ?
will Xp be recognized at boot ? drives letters ?
Do I risk any damages ?

Thank you

Ps: Hope my English understandable

Hi
1) You may need to reset the boot drive order in BIOS.
2) Drive letters will change.
3) First check for all the Win XP drivers for your hardware.
4) Your Win XP install will not be recognized, you will need to do a repair install of XP.

How To Repair Install Or Clean Install Win XP, Tutorials:
How to Install Windows XP
XP Clean Install
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
Repair Windows XP - How to Perform a Repair Installation of Windows XP - Part 1 of 2

5) Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

Use EasyBCD 2.0 in Win 7 & Win XP.
Download EasyBCD 2.0.2 - NeoSmart Technologies

Hi Theog

very fast answer,indeed !

I went over all your suggestions and Links,very instructive

My essential point,in installing drive with Xp already on it, was to avoid redoing all
settings and tweaks (years of manipulations and trys) and not to preserve logs and files.
But as far,as I understood and knowed already,doing a repair action with Xp Cd
will put back all settings and tweaks to default
So I think,I will do a fresh install as on tutorial,option 2
where should easyBCD be installed, Seven ?

Thank you

Since you have separate HD's, you can consider booting via the BIOS which leaves the HD's independent to come and go as you please. A dual boot configured by EasyBCD interlocks the HD's and makes one harder to remove.

To try booting via the BIOS, unplug Win7 HD while installing XP. After XP starts, set preferred HD as first HD to boot in BIOS. Then boot the other OS HD using one-time BIOS BOot Menu key given on first boot screen or in our mobo manual.

If after trying this, you still decide you want to use a WIndows-managed Dual Boot, install EasyBCD to Win7 set as first HD to boot, add XP, accept offered boot files, autocompletes, Save, restart.

Hi,
this is a very clever idea !!!
with almost no damages risk
unpplug the 7 drive ! to test if the xp drive can boot !
how didn't I thought about in first place,I think I'am getting too old
One last question,If you please,
in case Xp drive won't boot ( with the old install ),can I repair the boot sequence only,with Xp Cd ? or I will be obliged to perform a clean install ?

Thank you again

Hi
I did a fresh install of Xp the way you suggested :)
just have to grab the missing drivers for xp 32 bits
But,as there is always one !
switching Os by the one time boot bios is not enought for my configuration
Seven is installed on a OCZ Vertex 2 SSD in......AHCI mode with intel Rst for trim
so,I must enter Bios to switch from AHCI to IDE to boot on Xp
I will work this way for the moment...
Much obliged for your help !!!

Ps: I did several tries and everytime had the message '' bootmgr missing"
tried with several Cds! until I understood AHCI issue
I'm really getting too old

Switch AHCI TO IDE (Tutorial HowTo) !!! - Vista Forums

thanks, but I need AHCI on to trim my SSD
Ide don't manage trim
Nevermind,I will install a S-Ata Drive in place of the Ide one
on Ichr10 connector to have AHCI on all drives
and then your solution by a F10 click on boot will work (fingers in the nose )
I will try , then to put a Ghost image,may be it will work