How to Dual Boot Vista and XP

Microsoft created many innovations for the Vista operating system. Unfortunately, Vista produced some problems that XP did not, particularly with peripherals. For an easy fix, set up your computer to dual boot Vista and XP. When you dual boot, you can choose which operating system you want to work with, depending on the specific task you have to perform.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows XP installation disk

Repartition Your Hard Drive

1. Log in as the administrator for your computer.

2. Manage your computer. Go to the "Control Panel" by way of the "Start" button. Choose "System and Maintenance," followed by "Administrative Tools," and then double-click "Computer Management."

3. On the "Navigation" panel, go to "Storage" and select "Disk Management."

4. Move the cursor over the hard drive you need to work with and press the right button on your mouse. Typically, you will create the partition on the "C" drive. Select the "Shrink Volume" option.

5. Assign an amount of drive to be used with the XP operating system. Make sure you have enough room for the operating system and all the XP programs you use. Note the recommended amount of space for each program and add all the numbers together. Make the partition at least 15 percent bigger than the total.

Install the Second Operating System

6. Insert the Windows XP operating system installation disk into the appropriate drive.

7. Choose the "Install Now" option on the pop-up menu. Instruct the computer to "Get important Updates For Installation" when the option appears. You must have an open Internet connection to get the updates.

8. Provide your product code when prompted, and then accept the terms of the licensing agreement. Microsoft recommends reading through the agreement before you accept it.

9. Select the "Custom" installation for the type of installation you want. If you choose the standard installation, you will cause serious problems on your computer.

10. Select the partition drive you have created as the destination for the Windows XP operating system. Don't select the "C" drive unless it is the new drive you created.

11. Follow the onscreen directions to install Windows XP.

Set Options to Choose Your Operating System at Start-Up

12. Go to the "Advanced System Settings" of your Vista operating system. Select the following in order: "Start," "Control Panel," "System and Maintenance" and "System and Advanced System Settings."

13. Enter the administrator login and password if prompted to do so.

14. Look for the "Advanced" tab and select it. Go to "Startup and Recovery" and click the "Settings" option.

15. Find "System Startup" in the list for "Default Operating System" and choose the operating system you want the computer to use when it starts. Check the box next to "Time to Display List of Operating Systems" to set the number of seconds you want the list to be shown onscreen, allowing you enough time to choose which operating system to select at start-up.

16. Exit the options and restart the computer to check your changes.

Tips & Warnings

• Back up your files and any information you want to keep before you dual boot Vista and XP to avoid the loss of information should something go wrong.
• Install new drivers to both operating systems if you want access to the programs or peripherals all of the time.