Dual boot issue

Just delete the partition where you are attempting to install Win7 and create a new one to format using the XP CD. You are allowed 4 primary partitions.

Thanks ...I'm sorry I thought I had read that your were only alowed 3. The computer I have is a dell Inspiron 1545. It came with Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit edition. I am trying to run pro tools recording software. It is currently not supported by windows 7. This is why I'm trying the dual boot. I followed the instructions on shrinking and creating a partition but every time it comes up as a logical partition. When I insert the Xp home edition disk and restart the computer. I hit f12 and click on the boot cd/dvd it looks like its loading and then the same blue screen from above comes up.

Select Primary partition on the Create New Volume Wizard. If necessary use free Partition Wizard.

Thanks ...I downloaded the partitian wizard and changed it to primary.. Tried to load xp and got the blue screen..

This might not be formatting, but another issue.

Have you tested your Memory using memtest86 or Windows Memory diagnostics?

Download from your HD manufacturer the diagnostics and run a full scan.

Can you post a screenshot of the full Partition Wizard drive map? Use snipping tool in Start menu, attach using paper clip in reply box.

Never heard whether you tried running XP installer from Win7 environment as suggested earlier

I haden't set it to active so I did and tried again ans sill fail...o well

gregrocker said:

This might not be formatting, but another issue.

Have you tested your Memory using memtest86 or Windows Memory diagnostics?

Download from your HD manufacturer the diagnostics and run a full scan.

Can you post a screenshot of the full Partition Wizard drive map? Use snipping tool in Start menu, attach using paper clip in reply box.

Never heard whether you tried running XP installer from Win7 environment as

suggested earlier

Do you mean putting the disk in and just letting it run? Sorry not really computer savy. I did do that and the instal xp was gray. This is a brand new compuer just bought last week at walmart. I can take it back.

Can you fill out your system specs, best done in the bottom left corner of your posts so others can see.

You are also entitled to tech support from your manufacturer for a year. They may say they don't support Win7 though, but be willing to tell you what could hang up a Win7 install if you get someone helpful I call back until I get answers needed).

I entered what specs were on the box. I really messed up something. When I tried to restart the computer its a black screen saying NTLDR missing Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart. I remember when I went back into partitian wizard I changed the second partiton to active and this changed the recovery partitian to boot. The C windows 7 partitian stayed at system.. I am very sorry but what do I do? My system did not come with a recovery disk. Just the recovery partitian.

If you ever really want to mess up your system, then mark some random partition active and restart

Do you have the Partition Wizard CD so you can boot in and reset the Active to where it was before?

If not, try booting up while tapping F8 and attempt Last Known Good Configuration.

Do you have ANY Windows 7 or Vista DVD?

What are the F-Key options for Recovery given on first boot screen?

Many recovery partitions can be run by marking active and restarting.

But if you are going to use Diskpart from Command Line to mark a partition active, it should be the one you unmarked. Can you remember which it was if you call up a Diskpart list?