How to have Vista and XP on the same computer?

[Hooper]

Oh I see, so when I install XP on this new partitioned drive I will need to re install Vista again? Even though I already have it installed?

 

[siddharth2002]

Yup, that's the only way I have tested it so far. Don't think you can install XP after Vista cause they both use different bootloaders. And make sure you backup everything before re-partitioning as its going to blow away everything on the hard-drive.

 

[Hooper]

Oh I see. Anyways, before I do it Iam going to put all my programs, music and documents on Disk so if I mess it up I won't lose everything. One question, does it partition my drive during the installation process?

select the partition you want to install it on

Makes it sound like I already have to have it partitioned.

So what I do is:


- Back up everything on my computer just in case
- Turn off the computer, but put XP disc in so when I boot up I can choose to boot from disc.
- Then "Create New Partition" with 20480 (Is that bytes? Thats not much is it?)
- Format it to NTFS
- Then it will load and come up with XP, not Vista. I follow the on screen prompts (I know what they will ask as I had to start up Vista) I should have 2 Hard Drives now on my computer.

 

[siddharth2002]

- Back up everything on my computer just in case
- Turn off the computer, but put XP disc in so when I boot up I can choose to boot from disc.

After those steps,
The XP setup process will scan the hard drive for any pre-installed operating systems. Regardless of whatever it comes up with, Delete all the current partitions and then create a new one with 20480 megabytes (=20 GB).

 

[Abhas]

Yup, that's the only way I have tested it so far. Don't think you can install XP after Vista cause they both use different bootloaders. And make sure you backup everything before re-partitioning as its going to blow away everything on the hard-drive.

It is possible to install XP after Vista, but is a bit more complicated.
It would be better if you could format the system, install XP, and then install Vista on another partition...

 

[omkarjere]

It is possible to install XP after Vista, but is a bit more complicated.
It would be better if you could format the system, install XP, and then install Vista on another partition...

I don't think so when I tried to install Windows 2000 over XP it did install but it replaced XP and I had to re-install XP.

 

[Abhas]

that is because, win 2000 would have rewritten the boot record which could not be recognised by XP.

You will have to change the boot record, from XP, to get both Vista and XP to work together... That is why i said it was a bit more complicated.

But, nevertheless, it is Very Much Possible.

 

[omkarjere]

that is because, win 2000 would have rewritten the boot record which could not be recognised by XP.

You will have to change the boot record, from XP, to get both Vista and XP to work together... That is why i said it was a bit more complicated.

But, nevertheless, it is Very Much Possible.

How do you change the boot record ? Using BIOS ?

 

[Abhas]

nope... here's how u can change the boot record (this example is pertaining to Vista and XP) :


First, make sure you have set your folder options to see hidden files and to show protected operating system files. Then open Windows Explorer and go to the drive where Vista is installed. Copy the folder Boot, and the files bootmgr, boot.ini, NTDETECT.COM and ntldr and paste them to the root of your XP drive.

Then download Vista Boot Pro and save it to your desktop or somewhere else that you can easily access. Unless you already have .Net Framework (v2.0 at least) it will redirect you to a Microsoft page where you can download this necessary component.

Install and run Vista Boot Pro and open the "Bootloader" tab. Select "Reinstall the Vista bootloader" and press Apply. Then go to the Manage OS Entries tab and select "Add new operating system entry" and make sure you select "Windows Legacy". Give the new entry a name (ie: Windows XP) and select the drive letter you have XP on and then select Apply. You can also choose which entry you would like as the default the system will boot to.

And now you should be able to dual boot between Vista and a previous OS.

 

[siddharth2002]

As again not the recommended way of doing things. I just hate the fact that the bootloader system has been changed in Vista.

 

[Abhas]

Yeah, not recommended, Best way is to format & partition your disk, and 1st install XP, then Vista...

 

[omkarjere]

Yeah, not recommended, Best way is to format & partition your disk, and 1st install XP, then Vista...

Thats my style

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

No, sorry to say but there is an other way and an easier way round.

Suppose you have c: drive installed vista and d: has no OS.
Do one thing, install windows xp in D:.

Now your pc will start automatically as XP, but to make it proper follow this.

Shove in your vista dvd(if you got it)
Boot through it.
Then click on repair system.

Let it check and it'll find a prob with the boot record. Click up to fix it.

Now your pc should be running both the windows. Xp will be shown as earlier version of windows in the startup menu

If the repair doesnt work in one go then you can probably go for a second time.


That worked for me. And i hope it does the same for you.

 

[AbBh]

I haven't checked but I think after installing XP you can use the BOOTSECT.exe file from the Vista DVD to set the Vista Boot Loader as default. Which should give you the option to run either Vista or XP. I wouldn't format my entire Vista partition just to get XP installed.

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

I haven't checked but I think after installing XP you can use the BOOTSECT.exe file from the Vista DVD to set the Vista Boot Loader as default. Which should give you the option to run either Vista or XP. I wouldn't format my entire Vista partition just to get XP installed.

I think thats what i did above lol. But the only thing is there are no complications involved, just a simple repair automatic process