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#1
Problem with dual boot Win 7 + XP (XP first)
Complaint: When starting computer, boot manager does not show Win 7
Symptoms: Previously, my system was running XP 32 bit and Vista 32 without any problems. After installing Vista, I found it quite easy to use EASYBCD to properly configure the boot manager to have XP as the default system, and Vista as the optional system further down the line. The two OSs are set on separate partitions of the same disk. Note however that the disk is actually a RAID 1 array.
A few days ago I installed Windows 7 Professional 64 bit, as a clean install after wiping out the Vista partition. Installation proceeded without difficulty, but when I tried to make the necessary changes to the boot file via EASYBCD, the XP partition was not listed. So I mounted the partition and labeled it as X:, and went back to EASYBCD to add XP to the X: partition.
But after restarting, the boot manager menu listed:
(1)Older version of Windows
(2)Vista boot loader
When I choose (1), a new table comes up that lists only XP. If chosen, XP starts without difficulty.
When I choose (2), I get an error screen. I will post the exact error message momentarily.
I thought maybe the boot needed to be repaired, so I booted off the Win 7 DVD and instructed it to fix my computer. But after running a scan, a window popped up telling me that there was no problem to fix. I then restarted the system, leaving the DVD in the drive, but when prompted, I allowed the system to continue loading instead of striking a key to boot from the Win 7 DVD.
Instead of the boot menu above, the new menu was:
(1) Windows 7
(2) Windows XP
This is exactly what I told EASYBCD to do! But I can only get to this menu if I have the Win 7 DVD in the drive when I start up the computer! Note that I am NOT booting off the disk; the disk is simply sitting in the drive! When the bios checks the drive for a disk and sees one is present, it asks me if I want to boot from it (press any key) or not (do nothing). Whenever I do nothing, I get the right boot menu!
I have spent many, many hours and scoured the forums, but I have yet to see this problem described.
I will post a screen image of my disk management shortly. I will also post a copy of the EASYBCD screen image.
Thanks.