Hi, currently buying a OEM ed Windows Pro 32bit so
Question is
I want to install XP onto a SSD,separate to the raid array that has Windows 7 64bit installed.
Is this possible to do in the first place? Do I just set boot in Bios to the XP install disk and install onto the SSD? If I do will I get the option to boot to either OS. I'm sorta thinking it will boot to which ever is the array that is set as the first boot device and I simply won't see the XP install?
Hello simmo.
Before we make any specific recommendations will you please post a snip/screen-shot of the entire disk management drive map with a full description as to which drive/partition is which, so we can see what you have going on as there may be a fairly simple way to resolve the situation.
In the Windows start menu right click computer and click manage, in the left pane of the "Computer Management" window that opens click disk management and post a snip of that.
How to Upload and Post a Screenshot and File in Seven Forums
this one?
THe /C drive has Win7 installed and WoW..nothing else atm
The SSD I have'nt yet initialised..I have run Diskpart over it to erase the disk prior to installing XP..I am in the process of buying that on ebay atm.
Last edited by simmo; 25 Feb 2011 at 16:29. Reason: more info..probably useless lol
Windows documentation says that XP must be installed first in a dual boot with vista or 7 due to different boot loader design.
However you could try to do it with easybcd, which is a useful tool to have anyway. Much easier than windows interface to rename, reorder, add/del or repair multiboot setup. I have not tried adding XP myself. I did use easybcd to remove XP install painlessly. (If you remove XP using only Windows interfaces, the boot loader is removed with it so you have to run repair my system from install disk.)
Download EasyBCD 2.0.2 - NeoSmart Technologies
Installing XP After Vista - NeoSmart Technologies Wiki
The linked above "how to" refers to using a partition editor. I have had good luck with this one also.
http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-...n-manager.html
Last edited by gregglee; 26 Feb 2011 at 09:43. Reason: added partition wizard link, misspelling
The best arrangement when multi-booting using separate HD's is to unplug the other HD during installation, set the target HD to boot first in BIOS setup.
Then after install plug back in the other OS, set preferred OS HD to boot first in BIOS setup, then to boot the other HD use the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key - on Asus' the key is F8, ESC or DEL.
This keeps the HD's independent to come and go as you please, whereas a Windows Dual boot interlocks and makes one harder to remove without major repair.
Having a RAID may or may not affect how this works, but it is still worth the try.
If you prefer a Windows-managed Dual Boot, install EasyBCD 2.0 to Win7 to add XP.
I have downloaded Bcd and installed...XP will roll up mid week so will try install then and post w/e method I use and results
I will do that..I expect the OS to arrive sometime next week...and will have installed it by the weekend all going well
Cheers
Still hasn't arrived...maybe today... :)
Last edited by simmo; 10 Mar 2011 at 13:46. Reason: update
OK..roflmao..finally got Win XP pro..needs raid drivers installed during installation from memory...drivers are available but XP (won't see") drivers on a DVD/CD only a floppy?
So I have no floppy and dunno anyone with one either.
Thing is do I need to install raid drivers..I have a raid 0 with Win 7 installed atm.
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