Help with windows 7/xp dual boot

[zachawii]

Hello, i'm sorry if this is in the wrong section, but i'm working on my dads computer. He currently has windows 7 professional x64 on his dell latitude. However, he needs to install some software for his work that only runs on windows xp professionalc sp3 x86. I already have the windows xp license key and have burned an iso of it to a disk. I already know how to dual boot them, but he only wants a choice of either os if he presses a certian key... How would I set this up?

 

[gregrocker]

The best way to do this would be to install the new XP to another hard drive with the existing one unplugged. After install plug back in the other HD to choose which to boot via the BIOS Boot menu key and Boot order setting.

On a single hard drive use Partition Wizard to Resize Partition then from the booted XP CD create and full format a partition in the space you shrink.

I don't think XP has the ability to create a Dual Boot on its own so the new install to its partition will take over the boot until you add the old one back using EasyBCD (click Download - no Name or Email required).

You will likely need a second XP license key but since its XPiring soon all bets are off as to whether you can even activate it.