XP dies in multi-boot system

[oldspook]

I had windows XP working on my computer. I installed Windows 7 x64 on a seperate partition on the same hard drive. Everything was fine for a while, then when I tried to load XP, it wouldn't load. It only flashed the Windows XP loading screen of a second, then a 1 second blue screen then the system reboots. The windows 7 installation has been fine.

I have restored XP from image back-up 3 times. Each time it would work ok for a few days then same problem, wouldn't load. It won't even load in the safe mode.

 

[iseeuu]

I had windows XP working on my computer. I installed Windows 7 x64 on a seperate partition on the same hard drive. Everything was fine for a while, then when I tried to load XP, it wouldn't load. It only flashed the Windows XP loading screen of a second, then a 1 second blue screen then the system reboots. The windows 7 installation has been fine.

I have restored XP from image back-up 3 times. Each time it would work ok for a few days then same problem, wouldn't load. It won't even load in the safe mode.

Don't know why it is happening, but when you install 7 and leave XP at the front of the hard drive, instead of 7 creating its 100MB "System Partition" with its boot code, 7 puts the boot code in the XP partition. Can you post a screeenshot of your "Disk Management" window?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9717-screenshot-paint.html

Something is happening to that file in XP?

I would think using your 7 DVD to do a "Startup Repair" or "Install Repair" would correct the situation, instead of restoring the XP image.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/20864-mbr-restore-windows-7-master-boot-record.html

A more permanent solution (fairly easy as you seem to be comfortable restoring images) would be to move the XP partition to the end of the hard drive, all the way to the right. Then reinstall 7 at the front of the drive so it can create the 100MB "System Partition". You don't have to completely install the new 7 because you will restore your current 7 image to its new partition. You should end up with a boot menu that will allow you to choose 7 or XP and avoid your current problems.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html

Cheers!
Robert