How to Install Windows XP on a Windows Vista Computer the Easy Way

This article explains how to add Windows XP to Windows vista.

Instructions

    • 1

      Install a 2nd hard drive for Windows XP.

    • 2

      Download EASY BCD for free.
      http://download.cnet.com/3001-2094_4-10556865.html?spi=e0a8483fee8bfe287926d98d5a42c083

    • 3

      Add EASY BCD to a flash drive for later use.

    • 4

      Create a primary partition for XP
      Right click My computer
      Choose "Manage"
      Click Disk Management"
      Locate your new XP drive drive
      Right click > ADD VOLUME

    • 5

      Click "Next "
      "Simple volume size in MB "
      click "Next "
      Assign a drive letter
      Click "Next "
      Format the volume with the following settings:
      File system: "NTFS "
      Allocation unit size: "default "
      Volume Label: "XP "
      Add a checkmark next to "Perform a quick format "
      Click "Next "
      Click "Finish"

    • 6

      Close Computer Management
      Restart PC with your XP disc in the drive.
      Upon boot, Press space bar when prompter to load CD/DVD

    • 7

      Install XP by following the easy steps microsoft provides

    • 8

      Boot your PC and XP will load and Vista will not be seen
      Plug in your flash drive
      Install EASY BCD

    • 9

      Open EASY BCD and add the updates for VISTA.
      This will create a boot menu the next time your PC boots up.

    • 10

      Check your settings in easy BCD and reboot

Tips & Warnings

  • Backup everything you need to keep before this process

  • Edit the exsiting boot options through System Propertes >> Advanced >> Startup and Recovery settings. Here you can set default OS and timeout.

  • Windows Vista does not use Boot.ini like Previous versions of windows.

  • This process is for those familiar with OS installations.

  • Backup everything you need before you begin in case a mistake is made.

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Resources

Comments

  • The Green Monkey King Dec 11, 2007
    Anyone who wants to modify the boot menu needs to check out easybcd. Its very easy to use and does everything you need. It even allows you to edit the names of each option in the boot menu.
  • The Green Monkey King Nov 05, 2007
    Eyeore: I'm glad you like the article. Here's a tip: Download easyBCD as a backup measure. The tricky part is to get your boot menu working after XP is added to Vista as dual boot. you will need your XP-CD. But if things turn ugly, EasyBCD can save you by allowing you to edit your boot menu by hand. Please read the entire artical before gettign started and I'm sure you will do fine. No special drivers should be required. you just need device drivers but you would need that in a normal install anyway. Good Luck to you, -Mrchuck.
  • eyore298 Nov 05, 2007
    I've been looking for exactly these steps. No IT (The Geek Squad and a professor) has wanted to touch it to make a dual boot. I know it's because of the added fingerprint "lock" and other features. These drivers have to be located on the reinstall disc???? The XP install disc is a clean install.

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