How to SAFELY install XP on a partition to run thru multiboot

[barend]

Got XP software that does run under my Windows 7 Ultimate, but the usb driver does not work with my Pronto Pro TSU9400 remote and its corresponding editing software.

This has been discussed on remotecentral.com, no real solution found.
Specifically, the errors were "No HID found" and/or "device not found".

So I prepared an empty partition and ran my Windows XP install disk, while specifically installing on that partition.
XP started OK, but it asked for a Logitech mouse driver for my humble old non-Logitech rodent, and the keyboard (used an old cable one to the round plug) worked only partly.

Maybe I could have tweaked it, but to my horror W7 did not start up!
XP install had overwritten the c:\ partition.
Took me all weekend to keep things working again.

Is there ANY way to do this safely?
Or can I add specific XP usb drivers to my W7 ?
XP-on-a-stick won't help I guess, because it has no USB drivers at all I suppose...

 

[Ztruker]

The safest way is to use a separate hard disk for XP. Disconnect the Windows 7 disk, install XP on the 2nd hd then reconnect the Win 7 HD. You could then use EasyBCD to add the XP install as a selectable boot device.

Another alternative would be to install Oracle VirtualBox then run XP as a virtual client. I'd try this first.

 

[barend]

Yes I'm already using EasyBCD.
You mean physically disconnect the existing HDD?
Hadn't thought of that...
In the back of my mind a little voice-from-the-past already said "Windows grabs all"...

About VirtualBox:
Won't it use the Windows 7 usb drivers then?
These don't work, need the original XP drivers...

 

[gregrocker]

XP always steals the Win7 boot when it's installed second to the same system, unless you use separate HD's and unplug the other first as suggested. To repair this Mark Win7 Partition Active then run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105541-startup-repair-run-3-separate-times.html, install EasyBCD to add XP to a Dual Boot menu.

Try uninstalling the Logitech software to see what driver XP either autoloads or delivers via WIndows Update. You should have the bare bones drivers since they were present for the install - there wouldn't be any less function while in the OS. It may be the fuller software package that's getting you in trouble.

Let us know how this goes. It's amazing XP will install to new hardware due to lack of SATA drivers, so if you cleared that hurdle a mere mouse and keyboard driver should not be a deal killer. If problems persist try another mouse and keyboard and always use the driver the OS provides.

 

[barend]

Bought a very old XP laptop for just 20 Euro's, which does the trick while searching for a real solution.
Think I'll first try an extra hdd as Ztruker suggested.
The underlying usb issue appararently cannot be solved, although some guys on Remotecentral wrote that their W7-64 bit does work here; no idea why...
Good starting job on my new Dell XPS 15 W8.1 laptop though!

 

[gregrocker]

What is it that you are trying to do exactly, and what is stopping you from doing it now?

 

[barend]

Strange enough, it does work on a 64 bit computer.
Tried my Samsung 64 bit laptop, and it downloaded without a hitch.
So all is well now.