Solved dual boot (WIn XP & Win 7). Problem!!

[dzcatic]

Before installing Win 7, I have been using Windows XP. I wanted to make dual boot (Win 7 & Win XP). After installing Win 7 (on 2nd partition, not the same as Xp), it didn't recognize Win XP and now I only have Win 7. I cannot run Xp, but it is installed on my PC..
According to this situation, are there any ways to access my Xp, and if is possible to have two Operating System in good working?

 

[Maguscreed]

If you go to the start menu search box type msconfig and hit enter.
in the window that pops up what does it have listed in the boot tab (please don't change anything yet, just want to know)

 

[dzcatic]

in the boot tab stays only Win 7, there is no Xp

 

[Maguscreed]

okay that's actually a good thing, following these instructions should do the job.

How to Add Windows XP to Windows 7 Boot Manager | kombitz.com

 

[dzcatic]

The instruction helped me to solve the problem with dual boot. Thanks

Now, when I start my Pc it shows me Win 7 & Xp, but i got another problem. When I chose Xp, it tells me that I need to install it again, because one file is missing. If I do that (install Xp), will I lost Win 7?

 

[Maguscreed]

could you be a little more specific as to the exact file?

 

[dzcatic]

When I choose XP, I got this on my screen

Windows Boot Manager

​

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem:
1. Insert your Win installation disc and restart your computer
2. Choose your language settings and click next
3. Check repair computer

If you do not have the disc contact your system admin for assistance.

File: \ntldr
status: 0xc000000f

Info: The selected entry could not be loaded because application is missing or corrupt.

That's what I got on the screen!

 

[MilesAhead]

You get "ntldr missing or corrupt" or similar messages because the XP install puts ntldr and ntdetect.com on the first partition. The boot loader sends it to the XP partition and no boot files. Boot into a command prompt using the XP install CD and copy the files ntldr and ntdetect.com to the XP partition. It should boot from then on.

Just do a dir /s ntdetect.com in the booted command prompt to find the files on the XP disc to copy.

 

[dzcatic]

Could you give me more details how to do that, please. I am not a professional as you.

 

[gregrocker]

Please post back a screenshot of your full Disk Management drive map using Snipping Tool in Start Menu.

It's likely you only need to install EasyBCD 2.0 to Win7 to Add XP on the Add OS tab, as it will copy the needed files to Win7. But we need to see if there are any problems with the setup so far.

 

[dzcatic]

Hi

MilesAhead said that I need to copy files, and I did that. But I still have an error, now I got this

Invalid BOOT.ini file
Booting from C windows
NT detected failed
What do you think what can be a problem, and how can be solved?

Here is the picture of disk management

 

[gregrocker]

Install EasyBCD 2.02 to Win7, on Add OS tab, add XP by type, name and drive. It should prompt to copy boot files, so say OK. It will then autocomplete, Save and restart. http://neosmart.net/blog/2010/welcome-to-easybcd-2/

If this fails then it's likely your XP install was faulty as it should have taken over the boot of your computer as explained in this tutorial which is a good road map: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html

You also have installed XP to a Logical partition which is ok but not the best. You can use free Partition Wizard to delete D, then rightclick on the Logical extended partition to Resize, slide left grey border to the right leaving the space occuped by D as Free or Unallocated space. Boot XP CD to create a partition there, full format before install.

 

[MilesAhead]

I think with XP and W7 combination it's much better to have W7 on as C: since XP doesn't care. Also a bunch of 50 GB partitions is not really ideal. I think I would wipe the whole thing and install W7 on a Primary partition, then install XP on D:

 

[dzcatic]

How much GB do you suggest me to have on primary partition?

 

[dzcatic]

I solved problems, guys thanks a lot. You are very good people. Thank you very much

 

[gregrocker]

We are glad it helped. Let us know if there is anything else.

On EasyBCD 2.0 Edit OS Menu tab, delete the XP which is not pointed to its correct drive letter.

The partition size depends on how many programs, whether you want to store data in User folders on same partition or link them to another partition or HD, etc.