Solved Windows XP 64bit/Win7 dual boot failed

[tsampson]

Hi,
I have recently tried to install a 64 bit version of XP on my Dell Inspiron N5050.
It was running Win7 before and I needed XP for work.
I made the partition, and installed XP and now Windows 7 will not boot. I tried installing EasyBCD but since the drivers were not installed on the new OS, I can't connect to the internet at all.
I just need some help on possibly removing the XP partition and recovering with the win7 recovery partition so I can just run XP on a virtual console.
When I boot the computer it does not give me the option to use the recovery disk or boot windows 7 at all.
Let me know if you need any other information.
Thanks

 

[theog]

To repair Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html?ltr=S
Note: You may need to do startup repair 3 to 4 times.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105541-startup-repair-run-3-separate-times.html

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create
​

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?


How to use Dell Recovery Partition,make Recovery Disks & how to order Recovery Disks.
Manuals | Dell US
RouteTo
Dell - Support

 

[tsampson]

I didn't have any disks lying around. I would have tried that if I had it, that's why I am wondering if there is any way to boot the recovery disk by changing the boot file or something.

 

[theog]

If you have not made your Startup Repair
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html
Do you have a mate with Windows 7 of the same bit version 32 or 64 & CD/DVD RW Drive, who could burn one off.

 

[gregrocker]

When you installed XP it moved the Active flag to its partition and installed its own boot files there. You must mark the Win7 partition Active first or it will not repair and start. To do this use Partition - Mark as Active (Method Two) with the Win7 DVD provided in Step 5 of Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start, or you can use free Partition Wizard bootable CD as detailed in Step 9.

If you have a 100mb System Reserved partition that boots Win7, mark it Active instead.

Then run Startup Repair - Run up to 3 Separate Times until Win7 starts and holds the System Active flags. You can then install EasyBCD to add XP to a Dual Boot menu.

You can look for your XP wireless drivers on the Support Downloads webpage for your model PC or wireless Device. You should have had this driver ready to get online and do all of your Windows Updates which will provide many other drivers.