How to have Vista and XP on the same computer?

If you have an existing operating system installed and you want to keep it the best option would be to use Partition Magic (This isn't free), but it allows you to create new partitions (or merge them, or move them etc etc) without losing the original partition data. Using Partition Magic you can use some free space on your existing single partition to make a second partition. Takes a while but you don't lose any data.
 
First of all you need to have atleast 2 partitions on your HDD then format your PC then install XP and after installing XP you can install Vista on a different partition. After both OS are installed and when you start your computer you will be given choice XP or Vista then the one you choose starts. If you start XP and want Vista restart your PC then select Vista or vica versa

Won't having two OS slow your system down?
 
You don't run both of them simultaneously so it wont affect your system resources except occupying some space on the hard drive.
 
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.

Hmmm, dont know. Might need to get a guy in to do it for me I think. This is confusing...

If you have an existing operating system installed and you want to keep it the best option would be to use Partition Magic (This isn't free), but it allows you to create new partitions (or merge them, or move them etc etc) without losing the original partition data. Using Partition Magic you can use some free space on your existing single partition to make a second partition. Takes a while but you don't lose any data.


What does it cost?
 
1-See first go to my computer and find out in how many partitions you have
2-search each partitioon for a folder called windows and program files
3-the partition which you got your windows and program files is the partition
where vista is installed.note the partition name let it be X
4-then restart the computer and press "del" key to go to bios and set the first boot device to cd or dvd.
5-then put you windows xp cd and then when it prompts to press key to boot press any key
6-then follow the instructions and when it says which drive to install
choose a different partition other than X
7-next time you restart you will find windows xp and windows vista to choose from.
 
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.
Ya good idea and if he wishes he can also perform a format using XP setup.

Hooper I still recommend get a tech guy on doing this.
 
Hmmm, dont know. Might need to get a guy in to do it for me I think. This is confusing...




What does it cost?
Hmmm Dunno. I think its pretty easy.

Since you have vista installed already, and if you have an extra partition, what you just need to do is that boot with the xp cd and install it in the extra partition, and then after xp is intstalled, just boot through the vista cd, right on the first page you get an option to repair a vista installation, select it, it'll scan, and report that your primary drive has vista installed. Select this installation and continue. It'll scan for problems and will report a problem with the boot record. Just click on perform repairs, and it'll set up everything else. Then you'll have both windows and you will be prompted each time at startup to choose one :)
 
I think he should. You mostly get recovery dvd's. But since it is OEM, i would just advise him to boot with the dvd before doing anything and check if the repair option, even though i am sure it has to be there.
 
I think he should. You mostly get recovery dvd's. But since it is OEM, i would just advise him to boot with the dvd before doing anything and check if the repair option, even though i am sure it has to be there.
Kshitiz do you use Vista ?
 
Hmmm Dunno. I think its pretty easy.

Since you have vista installed already, and if you have an extra partition, what you just need to do is that boot with the xp cd and install it in the extra partition, and then after xp is intstalled, just boot through the vista cd, right on the first page you get an option to repair a vista installation, select it, it'll scan, and report that your primary drive has vista installed. Select this installation and continue. It'll scan for problems and will report a problem with the boot record. Just click on perform repairs, and it'll set up everything else. Then you'll have both windows and you will be prompted each time at startup to choose one :)

I don't already have a partitioned drive!?

I think he has an OEM version of Vista... Has he got the Vista DVD???

Yes, I do have my Windows Vista Home Basic DVD here.
 
As Kev said get Partition Magic and make a new drive out of some free space on your already existing drives. It's easy to use it.
 
Ok, I will. That seems the most easier option that I can choose without having to get a Tech guy in.

Partition about 30 gig on a "D" drive for XP and other stuff. So I will have one drive Vista, the other XP.

Is this Partition Magic cheap and do I just download it and pay for i?
 
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Your other option, of course is to buy an extra hard drive (you'll probably get a new hard drive for the same amount as partition magic). You can install XP on the second hard drive keeping Vista on your original. Added bonus of course using this method you'll end up with extra space. Basically unless you dont care if you trash your existing Vista install (and all data on the hard drive) Partition Magic or an extra hard drive are your only options.
 

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