This tutorial describes how to install Windows XP and Windows 7 on the same partition (first tutorial for one partition written).
The short concept: Install XP twice and have 7 replace the first installation.
Warning! Tested once. Need more testers to confirm it works for everyone and the instructions are clear enough.
Requirements:
Step 1
Install Windows XP normally if you're not already running it.
Don't bother installing any drivers or software on it.
Step 2
Start another installation of Windows XP. Choose the same hard drive and leave it unchanged without formatting. When it asks you what to do then choose to install in a different directory "C:\Windows.xp". Finish installing that one and only the necessary drivers afterwards.
Step 3
Install Windows 7 on C: over the regular C:\windows. A warning will tell you that it will move the old files to "Windows.old" directory. The good thing is it doesn't touch the Windows.xp directory.
Step 4
Install and run EasyBCD. Go to "Add/Remove Entries" and add an entry of "Windows NT/2k/XP/2k3" type and a name of your choice. (as shown in the attached image)
Don't forget the "Save" button.
You may also want to adjust the loader timeout from "Change Settings".
Link Removed due to 404 Error
Step 5
In C:\ you will find a (hidden) file "boot.saved". Open it, remove the entry to the "\WINDOWS" directory and make the "\WINDOWS.XP" your default one (if it's not) and save as "boot.ini".
Step 6
Restart and boot from the Windows XP LiveCD (which you should have burned and tested on CD or DVD before starting).
Open the Command Prompt (Run "cmd") and enter the following lines in order:
Step 7 (still from the LiveCD)
Go to "C:\Windows.old\Documents And Settings" and copy:
All Users.WINDOWS.XP
Default User.WINDOWS.XP
LocalService.NT AUTHORITY
NetworkService.NT AUTHORITY
and your account folder to "C:\Documents And Settings".
You might have to copy some of the "Program Files\Common Files" stuff, but for now it seems to work without
them.
Then simply reboot and choose your XP to load.
Potential problems you may experience:
A possible solution to the IE problem could be to install IE8 before W7. I'll wait for responses on that.
The short concept: Install XP twice and have 7 replace the first installation.
Warning! Tested once. Need more testers to confirm it works for everyone and the instructions are clear enough.
Requirements:
- Both Installation discs
- A Windows XP LiveCD (might work with other OS, but no guarantees)
- EasyBCD
Step 1
Install Windows XP normally if you're not already running it.
Don't bother installing any drivers or software on it.
Step 2
Start another installation of Windows XP. Choose the same hard drive and leave it unchanged without formatting. When it asks you what to do then choose to install in a different directory "C:\Windows.xp". Finish installing that one and only the necessary drivers afterwards.
Step 3
Install Windows 7 on C: over the regular C:\windows. A warning will tell you that it will move the old files to "Windows.old" directory. The good thing is it doesn't touch the Windows.xp directory.
Step 4
Install and run EasyBCD. Go to "Add/Remove Entries" and add an entry of "Windows NT/2k/XP/2k3" type and a name of your choice. (as shown in the attached image)
Don't forget the "Save" button.
You may also want to adjust the loader timeout from "Change Settings".
Link Removed due to 404 Error
Step 5
In C:\ you will find a (hidden) file "boot.saved". Open it, remove the entry to the "\WINDOWS" directory and make the "\WINDOWS.XP" your default one (if it's not) and save as "boot.ini".
Step 6
Restart and boot from the Windows XP LiveCD (which you should have burned and tested on CD or DVD before starting).
Open the Command Prompt (Run "cmd") and enter the following lines in order:
Code:
C:
cd\
attrib -s -h \"Documents and Settings\"
Step 7 (still from the LiveCD)
Go to "C:\Windows.old\Documents And Settings" and copy:
All Users.WINDOWS.XP
Default User.WINDOWS.XP
LocalService.NT AUTHORITY
NetworkService.NT AUTHORITY
and your account folder to "C:\Documents And Settings".
You might have to copy some of the "Program Files\Common Files" stuff, but for now it seems to work without
them.
Then simply reboot and choose your XP to load.
Potential problems you may experience:
- Internet Explorer will not start under XP. If you want to fix it you will have to use ruin it for 7. So ultimately you will need another browser. Why would you want to do this? In XP you cannot choose your updates unless you go to the website through IE.
If you have no other browser you will need to use boot W7 and download the "Internet Explorer 8 for XP" installation from Microsoft's Download Center and Link Removed - Invalid URL. Install Unlocker under XP and use it to delete everything in "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer" and then run the installation and restart. It will be slow to delete them as it is only done be one by one. - (reserved for editing)
A possible solution to the IE problem could be to install IE8 before W7. I'll wait for responses on that.
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