How to dual boot Windows XP and Windows 7 (XP installed first)

radegonda (New user):

Indeed, seems very simple, but at what cost ?
Probably soon copied (similar features) in Microsoft windows.
Similar system exist in Virtual servers, 1 server with basic OS (mostly unix) with multiple Virtual servers. Lower cost on Hardware but upgrades cost allot !
cheers.

Daren (New user):

Microsoft currently does not have an upgrade path from XP to Windows 7. They will not have an upgrade path in the future. They do have the ability to run XP within Windows 7, but that requires Virtualization Processors which many people who still have XP do not have. Windows 7 has the ability to mount VHD drives, but only within the OS. If you want to boot into Windows 7 and Continue to Use XP as a choice with the least configuration issue, the least changes to your computer and be able to reverse those changes without any issue, the Portlock Leap Frog is the best and easiest way to do so.

The Big Baboo (New user):

Quoting Daren:
Microsoft currently does not have an upgrade path from XP to Windows 7.

Damn:( That really stuffs me up doesn't it.One of the things I was really looking forward to in my later years was running a virtual copy of Win7 from within XP :'( Guess I'll just have to go and play with Linux now :)

Daren (New user):

Why must you run Windows 7 within XP? For that you will need some kind of virtual machine. Why would you change from wanting to use XP with Windows 7 to just using Linux as an alternative? Why not set up dual boot with XP and Windows 7 using a product like Portlock Leap Frog? You would still be able to transfer files between the two operating systems.

The Big Baboo (New user):

Quoting Daren:
Why must you run Windows 7 within XP?
Actually "Daren" I have no intention of ever running another new Microsoft OS on this computer ever again.At The moment I have WinXP plus Ubuntu 9.10 and as soon as I can sort out a few more small problems with "The Penguin" it's bye,bye Windows forever. As for transferring files over between the two,apart from actual "Windows Program Files" which are on C:/ all my stuff is on external drives and can be accessed by whatever system I want:)
Oooooooo yea and besides :) Why should I outlay $45AUD for a piece of software that I think would be of very small use to me."Leapfrog" my foot:) They must think I fell out of the woodwork :)

Sanjaycelos (New user):

How to dual boot windows7 and Linux (Windows7 installed first)

milutin (New user):

hi... sorry for my bad english...
I have windows xp, and i installed win7 later, and now xp won't work! when i turn on my computer win7 is open automatic. what can i do with this? And is there any solution how can i save my windows xp, which is already installed?
txn... :)

radegonda (New user):

yes. Read Radegonda's solution when scrolling up.
cheers.

PS: there is NO EASY way, yuou need to understand some things about your system or at least have some experience to be able to solve it !

tageb (New user):

You explain how to remove Windows 7, but more likely I want to remove XP after a while, and delete its partition. How do I then get a clean Windows 7 without any boot programs?

lasertom (New user):

Quoting tageb:
I want to remove XP after a while, and delete its partition. How do I then get a clean Windows 7 without any boot programs?


If you delete the XP partition, which is the System partition, then YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO BOOT WINDOWS 7 because the XP partition contains part of the boot process.

There must be some way to make Windows 7 the System partition but I've not figured it out yet. In the meantime Don't delete XP partition if it was active when you installed W7.

Davidh345 (New user):

Actually I want to run winxppro on one hard drive my old system and windows 7 on a new drive, i ran using easybcd 1.7.2 but xp would not boot only if i F12 and selected it???? my email is fishpole@tpg.com.au
thanks David H.

raghav (New user):

i want to run xp and winows 7 . With windows 7 installed first

KGB49 (New user):

Hello
I was wondering if you can advise me what to do.
I followed the steps to dual boot having WinXP pro installed first and the Window 7 Ultimate on my Dell laptop. I did also installed EasyBCD on windows 7 because my Windows XP DO NOT LOAD. I get the option to select EARLIER VERSION but it end up in blackscreen.

Below is what I got from easy BDC;

There are a total of 2 entries listed in the Vista Bootloader.
Bootloader Timeout: 30 seconds.
Default OS: Earlier Version of Windows

Entry #1

Name: Earlier Version of Windows
BCD ID: {ntldr}
Drive: D:\
Bootloader Path: \ntldr

Entry #2

Name: Windows 7
BCD ID: {current}
Drive: C:\
Bootloader Path: \Windows\system32\winload.exe
Windows Directory: \Windows

I really don't know what to do next. Can anyone advise me. My addy for msn is do_g@hotmail.com if that can help.

I decided to venture myself into this after reading your article and find quite easy...but i got myself screwed into something i'm not sure of anymore.

Can you advise me?

I did check on D: drive where XP sits, and I was not able to find any boot.ini file. (the search is done from Win 7 on C:).

if you can email me at the same your reply this it will be appreciated.
My email is do_g007@yahoo.com

thank you.

KGB49 (New user):

Help please.

I follow the steps above and got into some kind of trouble i can 't figure what to do to fix it.

I have a Dell laptop already had Windows XP installed. I did shrink my C: drive to install Windows 7, all went well...excepted I can't boot in to Windows XP. I can easily boot in to Windows XP. Once I installed the EasyBDC, it turns out all is good from the view settings. See below i paste what it displays from the "detailled view" of the boot loader.

There are a total of 2 entries listed in the Vista Bootloader.
Bootloader Timeout: 30 seconds.
Default OS: Earlier Version of Windows

Entry #1

Name: Earlier Version of Windows
BCD ID: {ntldr}
Drive: D:\
Bootloader Path: \ntldr

Entry #2

Name: Windows 7
BCD ID: {current}
Drive: C:\
Bootloader Path: \Windows\system32\winload.exe
Windows Directory: \Windows


As you can see, Windows XP is on D:
I did a search on D: for boot.ini can't find any.
I did download from the net a boot.ini and ntldr to copy on C: drive.
but would like to see what you will advise me ? or can you mail or post a boot.ini on this site ?

You can catch me on msn at do_g@hotmail.com

thanks for your troubel.

radegonda (New user):

Did you try my sollution (see Radegonda) above ?
the sollution is to modify stuff in the REGISTRY from XP !!
(You can boot win7 ? then you can load HIVES from XP's Regitry and modify the right parts)

Good luck !
Radegonda

David Tjen (New user):

Hey guys i need some advise,
I made a partition in windows 7 with partition magic which i used to install XP on it, the installation went well, but now when i start up my laptop it directly starts XP but when i look in disk manager in xp i can see that the windows 7 is still on the other partition, how do i get to start both os, i think dual boot or something like that, how is this done

trgz (New user):

I shifted my existing XP partition 'down' the drive (giving the new OS the faster outer edge) with one of the giveaway versions of Paragon Partition Manager and then simply did a custom install of W7 and then edited the boot options in W7 itself afterwards - dead simple. Amazingly many of the games already installed worked without any need to reinstall them - just a case of making a shortcut and ensuring the savegames/profiles etc were copied for the new OS!
Now to resurrect my Ubuntu 9.10 for a triple boot system...

Calico II (New user):

Motherboards with PATA & SATA Controllers..
If your inexperienced, Please Read my Post on this subject..

Calico II (New user):

This maybe old information, however it could be useful to the inexperienced.

Scenario:
You have a motherboard with PATA controllers and IDE Hard disks installed, and you are installing Windows 7/Vista to a partition on your primary Boot SATA Hard disk.
1. You MUST first Shutdown your PC (and power off the PSU)
2. Disconnect the IDE cables from the motherboard end.
(if your master CD/DVD Rom device is attached then Disconnect HD only)
3. Now follow the dual boot procedure.
4. After Vista/7 is successfully Installed power off, Re-connect IDE cables to the motherboard.

The reason this needs to be done is: During installation the Vista/7 boot files may well be copied to HD-0 IDE primary, even though the system files are installed to your chosen partition on the SATA 1 Drive. If HD-0 IDE primary is not active (bootable) then Vista/7 will not be found! Your system will look for the next bootable partition which would be your original XP!

VTXTAZ (New user):

OK Here is what I'm trying to do. I have an old computer that has XP on it. I just got a new hard drive that I am going to put in to the computer as a slave drive and I want to load windows 7 on it without losing any of my data that is on the hard drive that is in it now so I can duel boot.
Can some one tell me how to load windows 7 on the slave drive once I install it in the computer?
Thanks for all your help.
TAZ

VTXTAZ (New user):

I want to dual boot my computer with XP and windows 7. I have an old computer with XP on it and I just got another hard drive that I want to use as a slave drive. How can I load windows 7 it without losing the data I have on the main hard drive? I have the disk with windows 7 on it..

Thanks,
TAZ

VTXTAZ (New user):

Sorry for the 2 posts. Thought I had to get an account started before it would post.

seanigami07 (New user):

Hi!
I have a problem.
When I install an OS on my logical partition and when I reboot the system, the system will give me choices which OS I would like to use the OS on my logical partition or the one on my primary.

The problem is when I install a new OS on my primary partition, it doesn't give choices of which OS I will use, the system loads the OS on my primary partition automatically.

What can I do to restore the prompt message that allows me to choose which OS I want to use?

rayb (New user):

how would I triple boot with xp pro sp3/win7/Kubuntu as all on
separate HDD's (drive c master, slave Kubuntu and removable rack win7?

ray

Navid (New user):

Is there a possibility to dual boot WinXP and Win7 with Win7 installed first.
Thanks.

prakash chhajed (New user):

i have install windows xp on partition e:(which is runing now)and then install windows 7 on partition d: but it is not run there is no selection for os at start up.when i run pc with windows 7 bootable cd it show only d: partion and run but at that time i have no choice to run my old xp how i solve this please help

Just a Dude (New user):

If you already have Windows 7 installed, before wanting Windows XP installed..Can you just use Computer Management > Disk Management, to Shrink and Partition your drive. Then just install Windows XP to the newly made partition? Then pick up where you left off at on Page 5 - Step 4 - Managing the Bootloader? Also, note, your first sentence states it *should* load just fine (Giving you the option, Older version or Windows 7). That part only seems to apply to those actually in need/wanting to change the bootloader, correct? Or am I wrong. I am just trying to get a grasp. BEFORE, I have my new PC. Which I will want to dualboot Win XP/7 (and will follow these instructions)...BUT, I do have this manufactured OEM retail machine (already has Win 7x64 on it). That I would love to do the above to. So any and all responses would be lovely. No, don't go suggesting me to 3rd party software, that is my MAIN REASON for posting this question/comment. Will the Shrink and Partition idea/method work for me?

Barata (New user):

A very good set ofarticules.
Nice job.

HN (New user):

How to Dual Boot Win Xp Pro-32 Bit with Win7 Ultimate-64 Bit?
Win7-64 Bit refuse to set up in side Win Xp 32 Bit.
When both were 32 Bit Dual boot was no problem.
I am using two separate 500 Gb Sata Hdd for this purpose. Kinly advice.
-- hnscal@yahoo.com

rayb (New user):

but I want it to be on seperate hdd, hddo xp pro sp3 and hdd1 win7?

ben_mj (New user):

Is there any chance that I can dual win 7 and win xp (win 7 installed first)?

ben_mj (New user):

Is there any chance that I can dual win 7 and win xp (win 7 installed first)?

Bongsky (New user):

I was doing well with my Dual-boot setup (Win7/XP) for quite some time now, then eventually i decided to remove (format) XP from its partition and edit(remove the XP Boot Entry) from the Win7 boot menu configuration using EasyBCDE. Having done that, during boot-up in Win7, it still shows the Boot menu although there is only one entry left (Win7). My understanding is that when it holds only one OS, the menu will no longer shows up. Any workaround for this hiccup?? Thanks.

Antonino (New user):

I have installed windows 7 on drive C and windows XP on drive E. If I want to start both I have to use the "Repair Disk", that I have create. The problem is that windows 7 starts smoothly. If I like to start XP this is the answer:" a recent hardware or software has damages that file put the install disk and repair your system Xp. Can the reapir disk of windows 7 damage the installation of windows XP? My E mail is mtrnnn@gmail.com and I will be very gratfull for an answer, because I have installed winpro a dozen of time and alwais I have the same result.
My best regards.
Matranga

Dennis Brown (New user):

Windows XP was loaded on Drive c:\. My son loaded Window 7 on Drive E:\ and did not provide for dual booting. When the computer it turned on, no option is provided. The computer loads Window 7. I can see drive C:\, but cannot get Windows XP to load. I suspect this can be correct in BIOS, but don't want to screw it up. Can you help me?

Ray @ Amtrax (New user):

Okay Folk's - I need some HELP!
ASUS Quad Core PC, 3 hard-drives and I want to run 2 OS's
HDD-1 160gigs with Windows XP Professional + SP3 for Applications
HDD-2 160gigs with Windows 7 Professional for running online Games
HDD-3 1 Terabyte for storage
Can I modify the XP Boot.ini to make the jump to HDD-2 at bootup?
If so, how is it done?
IF NOT thru "Boot.ini"
Can it be done another way and what method(s) can I use?
Assistance would be much appreciated.

boost2011 (New user):

i was trying to do a dual boot with my alienware but after i did install windows 7 ultimate windows xp don't load just stay on the first step and nothing else happen idid a dual boot with a destop and it worked pretty well now i am doing same thing with my alienware cuz is a built in wedcam and camera don't work with windows 7 i have original cds dvds and i like windows 7 and want to use all things that this laptop has to offer want to use as factory settings with xp and i know i will not using camera on windows 7 beacouse drivers don't work in 7 same steps i am following as idid follow with my first Dualboot destop can some tell me what's wrong? thanks

D.John (New user):

Dual Booting Windows7 and XP (Windows 7 installed First)
I found a site that deals with this OS situation, they make good use of easyBCD. Have a look at ' sevenforums.com ' 7forums '.
More power to your elbow.
D.John

Chenzo (New user):

I have recently installed Windows 7 (dual boot) on both my laptop with Vista on first and on my desktop with XP installed first. In both these cases I used a second hard drive instead of partitioning the first drive.

The laptop works fine on either vista or win7 but the desktop only works on XP. If I boot win7 I get the Starting Windows screen then the next screen where you would normally type in a password/select user etc, but with only the mouse pointer on it and nothing else.
I cannot procede past this point and have to turn power off to re boot in XP.
I formatted the drive and installed a second time but this made no difference.
Any idears about this.