HairCanada wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I need some help. I have a new system with Vista on it, and I have
> downloaded XP and tried to put it on the system to have both running at
> the same time. This was at work, and when I was not there another
> person started the install of the XP before I could go on and shrink
> down Vista to install it in the same partiction.
>
If you inadvertently installed WinXP onto the same partition as Vista,
your wisest course of action would be to backup your data, wipe the hard
drive, and start anew. Under normal circumstances, placing two
operating systems in the same partition is a recipe for disaster. A
careful, knowledgeable specialist can do this safely, for a short time,
but the ordinary PC user had better be backing up his data on a daily basis.
> So, what I have ended up with it XP being installed on the "3
> particition" and when I start the system it will automatically start
> with XP.
>
> What I need to know is, am I able to make it so that there is an option
> during boot to pick Vista or XP? Is Vista still on the system? and did
> I lose all of my files that were stored in Vista as there is absolutely
> nothing in the XP...
>
> Please help me with what you can.. Thank you!
>
>
>
>
First and foremost, if the specific computer model in question was
designed specifically for Vista, there may well be no WinXP-specific
device drivers available to make the computer's diverse components work
properly. If this proves to be the case, installing WinXP in a virtual
machine would be your best - possibly only - option, anyway. Consult
the computer's manufacturer about the availability of device drivers.
Secondly, adding another OS might void any support agreements and,
sometimes, even the warranty. Again, consult the computer's
manufacturer for specifics.
If WinXP do device drivers exist, then you can proceed.
Normally, the older OS must be installed first unless you wish to
acquire and use some 3rd-party partition and boot management utility.
(In which case you have to follow the instructions provided by whatever
3rd party solution you select.) However, this KB Article (not for the
faint of heart or technically-challenged) explains how to repair the
Vista boot process after installing WinXP:
Windows Vista no longer starts after you install an earlier version of
the Windows operating system in a dual-boot configuration
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/919529
MS-MVP John Barnett's Guide is considerably more user-friendly:
http://vistasupport.mvps.org/install...ning_vista.htm
However, dual-booting is no longer necessary in a great many
situations. Why not download a Virtual Machine application, such as
Microsoft's VirtualPC 2007
(
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.asp?) or Innotek's VirtualBox
(
http://www.virtualbox.org/) and run WinXP and your legacy applications
within a virtual computer? Both are free and work with Vista.
NOTE: Microsoft does not support the use of VirtualPC 2007 on Vista
Home editions, but several people have reported that it works. Your
results may vary.
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
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