Home > Computer > How to Dual Boot Vista and XP with Vista Installed First
Donation Goal
Donate Now Goal amount for this year: 799 USD, Received: 100 USD (13%)
Please donate to help support this website. The funds will be used to purchase owned license of LiteSpeed Web Server Enterprise (2-CPU). It provides superior performance in terms of raw speed, scalability and anti-DDoS capabilities.

How to Dual Boot Vista and XP with Vista Installed First

Posted By Raymond In Category: Computer

Oct
6
2007

To be honest, I’ve only installed Windows Vista once on an empty hard drive and I hardly even use it. Since Vista SP1 is going to be out soon to fix many problems, I need to brush up my Vista knowledge by using it more often. Even though I will try to use Vista more often, I still want to use XP. The best way is to install both Vista and XP on the same hard drive and make it dual bootable. There are 2 scenarios I can think of. First one is you already have Windows Vista installed and you’d like to install Windows XP as a secondary operating system. As for the second scenario, you are currently using Windows XP and would like to install Windows Vista.

We’ll start off by learning how to dual boot Windows Vista and Windows XP with Vista installed first. In this tutorial, I assume that you know how to install Windows because I’ll only be more detail in showing the important steps on how to configure your boot manager to dual boot between Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Just follow the steps below on how to dual boot Vista and XP with Vista installed first.


If Vista has been installed on a partition which takes up 100% of the hard drive, you need to repartition your drive to make some space for XP.

1. In Windows Vista, right click My Computer and select Manage. Expand Storage and select Disk Management. Right click on the drive that’s taking 100% of the hard drive space, and select Shrink Volume.
How to shrink Volume in Windows Vista
- For my 250GB hard drive, I am able to shrink it to 160GB, leaving 77GB free space. 77GB should be enough for Windows XP. If you want more space than what Disk Management can give you, try using Disk Partition Tools from Hiren’s BootCD.

2. Boot up computer with Windows XP CD and install it as normal on the new partition that you’ve created.

3. Once XP is installed, boot up computer with Vista DVD. When you get the screen that says “Install Now“, at the bottom you’ll see “Repair your computer“. If you don’t have a Vista DVD disc, use this method described here.
Windows Vista Repair your computer
- Problem after installing Windows XP after Vista, you won’t be able to boot into Vista with Windows XP Boot Loader. You need to use Vista Boot Loader.

4. Select Microsoft Windows Vista and click Next. At System Recovery Options, select “Startup Repair“. Once it’s has finished repairing, click Finish and the system will restart and boot into Vista.

5. Download and install EasyBCD.

6. Run EasyBCD and go to Add/Remove Entries. Select Drive E:\ first and then select Type Windows NT/2k/XP/2k3. Then type the name that you want it to appear in boot loader such as “Microsoft Windows XP” or “Windows XP” or even “XP”. Click Add Entry and Save.
Dual Boot Vista and XP with EasyBCD

7. Reboot your computer and you should two entries in the Vista bootloader, and can boot into either operating system.
How to dual boot Windows Vista and XP

Now that wasn’t too hard right? Next I’ll write about the second scenario which is if you are currently using Windows XP and would like to install Windows Vista.

P/S:If you’re looking for dual booting Windows XP and Vista with XP installer first, click here.


Related posts:
  • How To Burn Downloaded Windows Vista to DVD
  • Windows Vista Configuration Tool that creates Vista Lite
  • Recover Deleted Files or Folders in Windows Vista
  • Boost Disk Drive Performance In Windows Vista
  • Windows Vista RTM Cracker by scaramonga
    • FrOz3nD

      Nice tutorial mate.
      Although people are RARELY going to use Vista.

      Thanks

    • http://nerve-it.blogspot.com Ralph

      Thanx Raymond . . .This is awesome, I tried dual booting Windows XP and Vista and it was impossible as the boot loader never came up, it just started the default . . This will be very helpful. . Now I need some help. On my Computer, I run Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003 and Ubuntu. I know that all will be done with ease, but what will happen to Ubuntu, because – as at now, I use the Ubuntu Grub to boot into the desired OS. I expect ur reply. Thanx man

    • ASLIKHAR

      yes, this is better than VIRTUAL PC…

    • http://www.mcville.net/journal Marko

      Can’t wait for the second scenario! :)

    • Pingback: How to Dual Boot XP and Vista with XP Installed First » Raymond.CC Blog

    • Pingback: Lots and Lots of Windows Vista News and Links

    • http://http:/www.raymond.cc.com Sandeep Kanojia

      My self Sandeep Kanojia
      my comment i s that like dual booting with vista & windows xp
      first xp instoll or first vista instoll.Pls send proper step-by-step
      instollment in my mail id.
      If any type of comments & any type of resolvation of computer
      send at my mail id with step-by-step.

      Regards
      Sandeep Kanojia(C.S.E.)
      mo.no.9818542316

    • http://www.raymond.cc/ Raymond

      Sandeep, you sure like to be spoonfed arent you?

    • Bob

      Question for you: I have an hp9500t computer with dual hard drives. THe C drive has windows vista premium and on he D drive, I want to install windows XP. Now, if I can install xp on the D drive, will I need that boot loader or will it automatically detect both OS’s and give me a list to choose from.
      thaks

    • jamber

      hi! i got an ntdlr error.. saying that my xp needs to be repaired. But vista works and xp has that wierd error.

      Any ideas? thanks!

    • Neil Simolke

      Raymond, I have attempted your Vista first XP second methodology. the partioning is fine, I can boot from the XP disk, however when XP setup launches, it errors and says there are no hard drives on this computer, any suggestions?
      Thanks,
      Neil

    • Gunter

      Raymond, I am trying to install Xp on a laptop that came with Vista the new partioning is fine, I can boot from the XP disk, however when XP setup launches, it errors and says there are no hard drives on this computer, any suggestions?
      Thanks,

    • Ozpete

      Thanks for this Raymond. Have been using Vista for some months now. At first, I had doubts…it is very “different” to XP, but am now used to it and really like it. But as I have a few apps that are still not Vista-compatible, I decided to reload XP. I did have the same error that Neil and Gunter had but this was overcome by reloading the XP driver….(in my case GIGARAID_XP)…off the motherboard CD. It works well. Thanks again.

    • http://alfred.co.in Alfred

      Thx for the guide

    • Matt

      Hello
      I’ve followed the guide to creating a partition on vista but when I boot up with the xp disk it doesn’t reconise the partition I’ve created! Any idea why?

      Thank you

    • G Welch

      In step 3 of instruvtions for installing XP after Vista you say “boot up compuer with Vista DVD. ” My Vista was pre installed on computer and thus no DVD. How do I boot up Vista?

      Thanks for advice.

      Gary

    • omid

      hi,i want install windows xp on my laptop ( vista is installed on it). How i can repair vista bootloader without vista DVD ?
      Thanks.

    • oj

      hi,i want install windows xp on my laptop ( vista is installed on it). How i can repair vista bootloader without vista DVD ?
      Thanks.

    • Naheed

      My laptop came with pre-installed Vista as in I do not have the DVD. So how can repair the vista bootloader in this case?

    • http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2007/10/06/how-to-dual-boot-vista-and-xp-with-vista-installed-first/ Jared

      I was wondering how big of a hard drive should i have to dual boot windows XP and Vista?

      Thanks

    • rj

      The new PC I bought for my brother came w/Vista pre-installed, and I hate it.
      He knows nothing about computers, so I will have to be prepared to support his system.
      Since I don’t know or like Vista, I want to put XP Pro on it, so I can talk him through any potential problems over the phone, instead of having to make a house call. If absolutely necessary, I could connect remotely.

      I’ve been using XP Pro for years, and MS in their infinite wisdom decided to change how everything operates.
      They have added tons of keystrokes, to what use to take one or two.
      What the hell were they thinking.
      And wasn’t it nice of them to hide the “Add Remove” program option?
      It’s so less convenient now.

      Sorry about that. I got a little off track.
      I decided I wanted to dual boot instead of replacing Vista, just in case I ever actually need Vista in the future.
      Who knows he may decide to learn how to use Vista, since he is starting from scratch anyway.

      Fortunately, the Vista disc included w/the new computer is an actual install disk.
      As a test I used Norton Ghost v12 to copy the 7GB Boot/Recovery Environment (partition 1) to a second hard drive, I then did a backup of the Vista installation (partition 2), and restored it to the 2nd partition, of the 2nd drive.
      When I rebooted the system to the new drive/Vista installation, I got the error indicating the “winloader.exe” was either missing or corrupt.

      I used the Vista disc and ran the repair option, and that did the trick. The 2nd installation drive is now bootable.

      I was a little concerned because the repair details indicated it was going to set the Vista drive size to 70GB, which is what it is on the original Vista installation.

      When I restored the backup image to the new drive, I resized the partition to 15GB. I figure that is enough room for Vista, since only programs will be kept on that partition. All the data will be on the third partition.
      This will keep the backups of the boot/Vista partitions relatively small, and the data will be untouched if the Vista partition ever needs to be restored.
      The 3rd partition will also be a convenient place to store the Ghost BU images.
      A very convenient location to restore from as well.

      I proceeded with the Vista Repair because I figured, if it fouled it up, I could easily restore the installation on the 2nd drive. The original installation is safely preserved on the original drive. As an added precaution, I disconnected the data cable on the original drive.

      I really wish I knew how to prevent this issue in the first place since a 1-step recovery would be a lot better than a 2-step recovery, especially if it is my bro doing the recovery.

      My point of saying all this is to suggest to the users that have Vista pre-installed on their laptops, or even desktops, to check the discs that came with the computer to see if they actually have a Vista installation disc, or at least a Vista Recovery Environment.

      Try booting to the CD that came with your computer, to see if it provides you with the Repair option.
      You might get lucky, like I did. I assumed this computer would only have a recovery disc that would restore the system, to the original installation that came on the computer.
      I’m glad I double checked it, ‘cause not only did I find a Vista installation disc, I also found a Motherboard driver disc.
      Hopefully, I have the drivers I need to install XP Pro (hopefully the drivers are not just for Vista).

      Good Luck to all attempting to dual boot.

    • Pingback: How to Repair Windows Vista Without a Vista DVD Disc » Raymond.CC Blog

    • Freeman

      I have a new HP that has Vista installed. It also has two 250 GB hard drives..can I just install XP on the second drive instead of a partition and follow the rest of the instructions to dual boot

    • JAy

      CAn i install vista and xp on same partition??????????????? Please help i have done so and i want to know can i fix the boot loader to boot into vista

    • Steve

      Ray, you forgot a scenario…what about folks who buy a copy of Windows XP and Vista and install both on a new hard drive…in other words a clean slate, there isn’t on OS already on the drive. Which OS should you install first?

    • http://www.raymond.cc/ Raymond

      Steve, it doesn’t matter because I’ve written both articles for if Vista or XP installed first. For your question, logically we should always install order version first, then the newer version. Meaning XP first, then Vista later.

    • http://www.demonichackers.info/forum Alex

      it worked by how do u find all the drivers from the vista cpu to the windows vista cuz i dont got a sound drive n graphic card drive n stuff -_-

    • Jason

      I’m having the same problem as Alex (the post above me). I can’t figure out how to get the drivers (like sound and wireless for my laptop) to work on XP. I can’t use internet on XP, via wireless, nor can I connect an Ethernet cable, and have it recognize the connection. xD

    • JustinM

      Thanks a bunch!!

    • ice

      i am currently running a preinstalled vista business (32 bit) on my laptop. my machine has a 64 bit processor. to maximize its potential, I tried to install xp 64 bit edition. however during the installation it gives me a blue screen saying:

      “Setup did not find any hard disk drives insalled in your computer.

      Make sure any hard disk drives are powered on and properly connected in your computer, and that any disk-related hardware configuration is correct. This may involve running a manufacturer-supplied diagnostic or setup program.”

      Please Help!

    • ras

      i read some of these steps but i don’t get the first once can u help me please.
      i just wana know how to install xp on a system that has already vista installed it is a laptop .
      thanks

    • Burlycow

      Reps to you pal. This worked perfectly and was even able to skip a step.
      Instead of trying to fix Vistas Boot. install easy bcd on xp instead. then setup a boot for vista.
      Thanks

    • parshu

      hi frinds

      i have Compaq V6608AU model and its Come with Preloaded Vista Now I want Xp With Vista ,Can Any One Tell Me what is the procedure ?

      mail Me On : parshu_dip07@rediffmail.com

      Waiting For reply

      parshu

    • Gaz

      Thank you very much for this. Worked brilliantly, very good tutorial :)

      Very much appreciated.

      Gaz

    • Vista + XP

      If any of you don’t have the bootup disk for vista I just downloaded a quick and easy disk that will help you alot. Here it is:

      http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/

      It is very small for vista (only 120mb) and Provides the startup tool needed to restore vista. It is an awsome alternative rather than having to download a large 2.8GB torrent.

    • http:www.mytechtalk.com Mike

      Those of you who don’t see a partition when you follow his steps likely have a SATA hard drive which XP cannot read without a different driver. I had an HP laptop with this issue. HP support had to track down an XP SATA driver so that the Windows XP installation CD could detect the new partition. I even had to go and buy an external floppy disk drive (thought the floppy was dead? Me too.) so that the new SATA Driver could be loaded during the Windows XP installation.

    • http://dualbootxpwithvistaalreadyloaded bill

      what happens if i screw it up . would i be able to format the hard drive after i shrink it . would i get all of the volume back . also would i be able to run the recovery disk to reload vista. and one last thing , is there a chance that i could completly render the laptop useless.

    • Den

      1) You would always able to format your hard drive, no matter what. (except if it is physically damaged)
      2) Of course you would able to run vista recovery disk.
      3) There is a chance that you can render the laptop useless if you don’t know how to repair it (format, partition, install) and if there is nobody around who can help you.

    • Den

      2 Bill ^^^^

    • cc

      Hi! and thanks for the tutorial

      What about the recovery partition for the branded laptops; is it still available after? I had problems to access the recovery partition after setting up a dualboot xp and linux. I was able to see it on the harddisk but not able to use it.

    • Big

      For those of you who want to do this but only have your copy of vista on recovery partition, DONT! This will remove access to your recovery partition. Make CD or DVD backups of your recovery software first, there should be a option somewhere on your computer. For instance newer HP owners have a \”make recovery cd or dvd\” in the Start menu under PC Help & Tools, or simply use a friends Vista disc to repair your boot. I own an HP BTW, and did this. I just used a Dell Vista OEM disc and repaired the Vista Boot. Hope this helps.

    • Big

      I do have a question though. Like I said I attempted this on an HP, I made the partition, booted my XP disc, and startedthe install. On the first reboot after the drivers, etc are installed, XP doesnt pickup the install. I get a msg \\\”There is an error with your operating system\\\” and the system hangs there. I then just used the Vista disc to repair the Vista Boot, but I still cant get XP to fully install :(. Btw the partition is 50 gigs. The drive letter used is H: could that be the problem? Any recommendations?

    • sachingm

      Just for all you folks having a Sata drive and getting problems when running XP Setup (not detecting any drives). Try the below approach before you do all that extra driver work for putting SATA drivers onto your CD or using a floppy…

      I have a HP DV6600 – all I had to was to go to the BIOS setup (pressing F10) and remove native support for SATA.

      After that, Windows XP Setup was able to detect the drive!

    • [@lex]

      Good tutorial, it really helped, nice and easy… keep up the good documenting work!

      Beste of luck,

      Alexandru Oprea, Romania

    • jeff

      Wow.

      Thanks Raymond, this is way better than Virtual PC as it is physically booting into XP.

      Great guide, free software, and easy to use – I\’ve seen so many other guides that make it seem catastrophic. Thanks Raymond – keep it up.

    • Asif

      Thnx for the amazing tutorial. As Im using Vista Ultimate 64bit, Im having problems finding drivers for my external tv tuner card and few other devices. Im gonna go home n try it out.

    • ledsd

      winloader.exe error 0xc000000D
      dual boot

    • prathima

      Hi!
      when I click on manage by right clicking mycomputer icon…it’s showing an error msg like:

      ” Windows cannot access the specified device,path, or file. You may not have appropriate permissions to access them.”

      Eventhough I’m the administrator and working in this account onlyit displaying error mentined above….I didn’t created any user accounts….i’m using HP laptop with windows vista OS…

      At first there is no error msg like this during opening ‘manage’.this type of behaviour for past 2 months….
      During scanning viruses also,antivirus system is displaying windows files regarding this was locked…(in the format of file paths..it’s showing file path and locked)

    • Aneslin

      Nice article bro.
      I have the same situation.
      but I installed a x64 XP.
      and I could not find a x64 EasyBCD. ( or thats not work properly)
      how can I do this now?
      cant I edit the boot.ini file ?

    • Richard

      Hi? I tried to install windows xp SP2 on a sony Vaio VGN-AW11Z preinstalled with vista but with no success. at some stage a blue screen appears with error message
      STOP 0x0000007B(0xf78D663C, 0×0000034……..etc.
      Any solution pleeeeease

      Richard

    • sourav

      i got vaio vgn-ns140d..pre installed vista..want to downgrade to xp..it requires a sata drivers to install and need i usb floppy..

      i there any other way to get out of it…

    • quasarsideral

      Hi Raymond… the best article I´ve found surfing in the web. I´ve got a Pavillion 6433cl with Vista and I was disappointed with its performance. I tried several manuals but this one rocks, effective 100%, comprehensive and easy to put in practice.
      Thanks a lot for your help. Today my laptop works perfectly, XP SP3 flies like a combat plane. Excuse my english, I´m from South America.
      Thanks again

    • http://Steve79 Steven Downs

      Hi Raymond. Your tutorial is fantastic and very easy to follow. I have an Acer Aspire 5520G with Vista home premium pre installed. I have a copy of XP SP3 and have installed all fine. I have also had to use a vista recovery disk to do the startup repair step. The problem i’m having is that when i do the startup repair, i restart my computer and it restarts in XP and not vista… Any suggestions on how i can fix that… Thanks Steven

    • Ravi

      Nice tutorial,
      I have one problem, can i use one partition to install both vista and xp operation system.
      thanks lot

    • Felix Stephen Mendres

      @ravi: i think u cant… because it will overwrite the first installed OS.

    Copyright © 2005-2012 - Raymond.CC Blog