Dual Boot Windows 7 with XP

Initial conditions:

1. C: drive to install Windows 7,


2. drive for example F: ready to install Windows XP.

Problem:

If you install Windows XP operating system on a Windows 7-based computer, Windows 7 no longer starts. In this case, only the Windows XP operating system starts.

Solution for dual boot Windows 7 with XP:

1. Start Windows 7 System Recovery Discs and repair existing Windows 7 instalation (if you don't have any, you can download Windows 7 System Recovery Discs).


2. As administrator copy file F:ntldr and F:boot.ini into root C: (because to run a version of Windows operating systems based on Microsoft Windows NT, these files are necessary).


3. Edit file C:boot.ini
   
   
   

   [boot loader]
   timeout=30
   default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(3)WINDOWS
   [operating systems]
   multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(3)WINDOWS="Windows XP" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

   
   
   
   
   Note: You can change bold written text, partition number depends on the partitioning:
   
   
   

   default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)WINDOWS

   
   
   
   


4. Restart the computer.

Post-installation verification:

Click Start, click Accessories, right-click the command-prompt shortcut, and then click Run as Administrator. Use Bcdedit.exe for verification entry in the BCD Boot.ini file for the earlier version of the Windows operating system, more http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb%3Ben-us%3B919529&x=18&y=10