Installing XP after Vista.. Need some advice..

[sawyen]

Just got an HP pav Dv2000t from the states, and Vista is incompatible with virtually every single sim software I use.

I need to have a dual boot XP, can someone run me through the process of this?

PLease note I have the following problems,

1. I do not have a floppy drive
2. Its a SATA drive over ICH7
3. I notice there will be a problem with the MBR, some advice on how to EASILY fix this would be great.
4. I need a new partition for XP on the Vista disk, but I dont know how to do it..

If you guys needs more info or have some advice do help..

[Koolpc]

First off you have to install XP first.

Put the XP cd in your PC and boot to it.

You may need to install SATA drivers by pressing F6 when prompted to do so.

Partition the Hard Drive into 2 (You will get this option at the next stage).

Format the partition and install XP

After XP has installed and you have put all your drivers on etc etc, then:

Put Vista DVD in and boot to it.

Install Vista on the 2nd partition. Follow on screen prompts! (Format will probably be needed just follow on screen promts)

This is a brief install help for you.

[sawyen]

Well, I already have Vista preinstalled.. it came with the new lappy..

So technically i need XP on top of Vista, rather than the other way round (which is alot easier)..

I've read around for several methods around this, but the problem is..

1. HP does NOT come with a Vista reinstallation CD, all it came with is a Restore CD, aka Norton Ghost type thingy, so wiping out Vista, and reinstalling XP then Vista is not possible, at least to my very shallow OS knowledge..

2. I do not have a floopy to shove any SATA drivers in it. I am working on a way to get a cheapo USB floppy here, but I'm not entirely sure that it'll work under USB emulation and all.. I recall it didnt work for my desktop when I used a USB floopy drive from a mate LOOONG time ago..

3. Now, even if I did eventually install XP, the Vista Bootloader, from what I read at least, will be wiped clean by XP's.. technically rendering my Vista not bootable.. There are ways around this (as I've read), but again, it requires a Vista installation disk which I do not have...

[Koolpc]

Looks like you are in a bit of a pickle mate. XP has to be installed first to allow the boot sequence to work.

Bit of a bummer these days when the PC manufacturer does not include any discs.

Can't you format your PC and make 2 partitions. Put XP on the first and then use the 'Restore disc' on the 2nd partition? Does it not give you an option where to restore to? Surely it would if you had 2 partitions?

[sawyen]

Havent really tried the Restore disk, but from what I undestand is that it reverts everything back to factory condition, i.e. all those quickplay stuff and all..

and also, how do I make a new partition in Vista? Partition Magic doesnt even work in Vista g.d it..

[Koolpc]

Yea, bit of a bummer mate. Don't know what else to say. If it were me, i would do what i suggested above, i.e; Put XP disc in, Make 2 partions, install XP on one then use the Restore CD and restore to 2nd partion. Can't you contact HP and ask thier advice as to if this can be done?

If it doesn't work you could always fall back to doing a restore again?

[redlight]

Try this if you are installing XP after Vista
http://www.vistabootpro.org/

[Koolpc]

Try this if you are installing XP after Vista
http://www.vistabootpro.org/

That looks very interesting

[redlight]

That looks very interesting

and very good if you go to advanced options and tick boot GUI disabled you get a Vista boot screen of sorts. Better thank a black screen IMO. Yes I know you can do it in Vista but it is simpler this way.

[sawyen]

I'm a little stoned by the amount of work in the office, but how does this work?

Say if by a miracle that the USB floppy did work, and I get XP installed. How do I get this to set my Vista working again in a dual boot config?

[sawyen]

so guys, dunno whether I should go to the Bootloader option and reinstall bootloader..

and then add my OS one by one over at Manage OS entries..

[charleski]

Say if by a miracle that the USB floppy did work, and I get XP installed. How do I get this to set my Vista working again in a dual boot config?

Yes, just set the reinstall option on the boatloader maintenance screen and click Apply. Go to view settings to see what the bcd has already, then Manage OS Entries to add your Windows Legacy OS.

[dangel]

and very good if you go to advanced options and tick boot GUI disabled you get a Vista boot screen of sorts. Better thank a black screen IMO. Yes I know you can do it in Vista but it is simpler this way.

...also available in Vista in "msconfig"

[sawyen]

Just to let you all know that I'm still waiting for a USB floppy to arrive before any installation can proceed..

Can anyone confirm that USB floppy will work for installing RAID and SATA drivers.. because this is just bollocks..

[TheDarkRealm]

You dont need to mess about with any of that....

Install XP over vista, it will need to be installed on a seperate partition.

XPs boot ini will overwrite Vistas BCD info, which will allow you to boot into XP but not Vista

Boot to startup repair off a Vista RTM or whatever recovery media you have, it should be accessable all manufacturers seem to be including it, and from a command prompt run:
bootrec /rebuildbcd

This will restore Vistas bootloader and scan for all installed compatible Microsoft OS' and include then in the boot list

Voila, you should have both Vista and XP working

[kenny272]

Dude,

don't bother with all this dual boot stuff.

Install Virtual PC and install XP on to that, yes it will run slighty slower but if you have a PC that can run Vista it should be no problems.