How to Dual Boot XP & Windows 7
Dual booting allows you to choose at startup whether to run Windows XP or Windows 7 on your computer. It is advantageous if you desire to use pieces of software compatible with one or the other operating system, as dual booting allows you to switch between the versions of Windows. Dual booting Windows XP and Windows 7 can also be used to familiarize yourself with Windows 7, if you want to change, without abandoning XP.
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Instructions
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Partition your Windows XP Hard Drive
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1
Click "Start," then click "Control Panel." Click "Performance and Maintenance," click "Administrative Tools" and then open "Computer Management." Click "Storage" then open "Disk Management (local)."
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2
Right-click on the drive that you want to install Windows 7 on, and click "Shrink Volume." In the "Shrink Volume" window, ensure you enter over 16384MB to shrink, as this is the minimum amount of space required to install Windows 7. Hit OK to perform the shrink.
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3
Right-click the new "unallocated space" created by the shrink and click "New Simple Volume." Remember the name of the new volume you have created.
Installing Windows 7
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4
Insert your Windows 7 installation disk and restart your computer. It will automatically start the installation wizard on startup.
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5
Follow the easy instructions on the Windows 7 installation; however, when asked, "What type of installation do you want?" select "Custom (advanced)" and change the partition so it matches the name of the one you just created. Continue with the installation process as normal.
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6
Restart your computer, and at startup you will be given the option of running either Windows XP or Windows 7.
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Tips & Warnings
Ensure when installing Windows 7 that you select your new partition, otherwise it may completely overwrite Windows XP.
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