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

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

Difficulty: Challenging

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.

Resources

• http://www.microsoft.com/windows/help-how-to.aspx
• http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1

[jonathan2004]

on 9/8/2009 My laptop is acer aspire 4810T with vista installed, I try to install windows xp pro, during window start down load, it's show:A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to protect damage on your computer. Can you help me to solve this problem? Many thanx

[mrchuck999]

on 12/11/2007 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.

[mrchuck999]

on 11/5/2007 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]

on 11/5/2007 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.