How to safely install Windows XP partition from inside Windows 7?

mulambo · 24 Jul 2022

I think Windows 7 has taken total control over my hdd, as I've tried partitioning it once and it forced me to undo, format and re-install it all again.

So I was wondering, is there a way to safely install another partition that I can boot from Windows 7 ... without a virtual machine?
I mean something that I can start from Windows 7: ideally, I first start of Windows 7, then launch this program and it sends me to a partition, a real partition that can manage all devices without virtual interaction (I've already tried VMWare Workstation, it's fine... but a bit messy and it doesn't give total control about it).

I'm asking this because I love to play old games which only run on Windows XP or older systems and because it seems compatibility mode doesn't just work for them.

samuria · 24 Jul 2022

You cant boot 7 then boot another windows you have to choose at start. Can you post a screen shot from disk manager showing all the details at the top so we can see any problems

mulambo · 24 Jul 2022

samuria said:

You cant boot 7 then boot another windows you have to choose at start. Can you post a screen shot from disk manager showing all the details at the top so we can see any problems

Here it its, please note that it's the Italian version ("Gestione Disco" : Disk Manager, I guess) with XP theme (not the glossy one).
I know I can make a partition from here, but previously I tried to (with Partition Magic, not this Disk Manager, though) and the system broke (had to format and reinstall it all)... I got a Windows XP Isntallation Disc

How to safely install Windows XP partition from inside Windows 7?-screengestionedisco.jpg

samuria · 25 Jul 2022

There is a problem when you duel boot you must install oldest windows first this is because the boot system is different on new versions so if you insall xp now it won understand the new boot system as its booting from the first parition so it will rewrite the boot as it wont understand the first parition.
You can shrink c and create a new active parition and install xp but you would have to then mess with a bootload to add 7 back onto the menu

flavallee · 25 Jul 2022

mulambo:

Are you sure your computer can run and has driver support for Windows XP?
You have not provided a description of it, so we do not know if it can or not.

If your computer is already running Windows 7, and then you divide its HDD into 2 partitions, and then you install Windows XP in the new partition, you may no longer be able to boot to and use Windows 7.

mulambo · 25 Jul 2022

I see... well, I think that most probably the best option for me is to use a specific machine for XP games then...

townsbg · 26 Jul 2022

The only windows installer that you can launch inside of 7 is either 7 or a compatible upgrade version. You can't do a lower version and likely your xp disk is 32 bit so you have an additional incompatibility. The installer runs on the installed version of windows and you can't specify another partition. As stated installing xp will overwrite the bootloader and you'll only be able to boot into xp. There is a application that can restore the 7 bootloader however it is dangerous and can completely erase the bootloader altogether. The 7 disk might be able to recover it using a repair but you don't have a disk. The easiest and safest process will be to do a clean install of xp and then 7 unless you are an advanced user. You will need to get a 7 disk for that though. You won't be able to use the imaging partition that's installed. Dual booting windows is tricky especially if you are wanting to use a older version. You have to know what you are doing.

However that doesn't factor in compatibility once you get xp running. Without the proper drivers you won't have internet, good graphics, or audio. You mentioned gaming. You'll want audio and graphics for that. Also stated you haven't provided any information on your computer so we can't help you determine if there are xp drivers.

file3456 · 26 Jul 2022

First, post the make and model of your computer you want to dual boot. Or the motherboard and CPU.

Follow these steps to a "T" if your hardware can run XP. Installing XP as a second OS

I personally don't use more than one partition in an effort to mitigate data loss. Not only can cross contamination occur from malware or what ever, but partitions can go *poof* and simply disappear. Which means you need to use partition recovery software. My method is more than one hard drive and a hard drive selector 5.25 bay made by Kingwin. Hard Drive Power Switch Wholesale... Turn ON and off HDDs

Amazon.com

I also use one of these for a two for one.

Installing XP as a second OS

mulambo · 26 Jul 2022

F22 Simpilot said:

First, post the make and model of your computer you want to dual boot. Or the motherboard and CPU.

Follow these steps to a "T" if your hardware can run XP. Installing XP as a second OS

I personally don't use more than one partition in an effort to mitigate data loss. Not only can cross contamination occur from malware or what ever, but partitions can go *poof* and simply disappear. Which means you need to use partition recovery software. My method is more than one hard drive and a hard drive selector 5.25 bay made by Kingwin. Hard Drive Power Switch Wholesale... Turn ON and off HDDs

Amazon.com

I also use one of these for a two for one.

Installing XP as a second OS

Well, thanks, but as said before the risk of losing partition is high, I've already managed to run an XP machine... it isn't that great, but it can run most of the retrogames I would probably encounter..