It’s tutorial that helps to install Windows XP after installing Windows Vista. Basically Windows Vista and Windows XP, both are totally have independent boot manager and we can configure them without affecting each other. So lets assume that We have already installed Windows Vista in C drive and want to install Windows XP in D drive.

How To:

1. Boot from Windows XP CD or DVD and perform clean installation in D drive.

2. Now we are getting to boot in Windows XP, so now boot with Windows Vista’s DVD and choose Regional Settings and click on Next.

3. Now choose Repair your Computer, it automatically detect Windows Vista’s partition and repair all kind of problem that cause unable to boot in Vista by clicking on Repair button OR then choose Startup Repair option.

4. Restart your computer to boot in Windows Vista and run CMD as Administrator and execute the following commands one by one to add boot manager entries of Windows XP in boot menu.

bcdedit /create {ntldr} /d “Earlier version of Windows”
bcdedit /set {ntldr} device boot
bcdedit /set {ntldr} path \ntldr
bcdedit /displayorder {ntldr} /addlast

5. Now reboot your computer and you should have the option to boot to either Earlier version of Windows or Windows Vista.

Applies To:

  • Windows Server 2008 R2
  • Windows Server 2008
  • Windows 7 Ultimate
  • Windows 7 Enterprise
  • Windows 7 Professional
  • Windows 7 Home Premium
  • Windows 7 Home Basic
  • Windows Vista Ultimate
  • Windows Vista Enterprise
  • Windows Vista Business
  • Windows Vista Home Premium
  • Windows Vista Home Basic
  • Windows XP Professional
  • Windows XP Media Center Edition
  • Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
  • Windows XP Home Edition

6 responses to “Install Windows XP after installing Windows Vista and Windows 7”

  1. Carlton Avatar
    Carlton

    What if I only have the windows xp disc and no windows.old folder?

  2. Abhijeet1104 Avatar
    Abhijeet1104

    i m trying to install xp on windows 7, but while installing xp when computer restarts in between installation it shows msg as error in loadind operating system! help me out!!!

  3. Shahnawaz Avatar
    Shahnawaz

    ntldr is missing.
    I have used the software EasyBCD and now its working fine.

    1. Author Avatar
      Author

      ntldr is missing. I have used the software EasyBCD and now its working fine.

      Boot using Windows XP CD and Press R to enter into “Recovery Console”. Now Log into CMD Prompt. Now execute the following commands

      copy x:\i386\ntldr c:\
      copy x:\i386\ntdetect.com c:\

      X is your CD/DVD drive

  4. Shahnawaz Avatar
    Shahnawaz

    Doesn’t works only shows list during bootup.Tried in windows 7 RC.
    Do we need to change the “device” word in 2nd line and “path” with the drive letter in 3rd line?
    Windows 7 on C: drive and XP in E: drive. plz help.

    1. Author Avatar
      Author

      What’s the error message shown after choosing the Windows XP from boot menu?

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