How to Make Dual System Windows Vista and XP

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windows vista and xp dual system

I found best article that guide you to make dual boot windows on your computer used windows vista or XP. Yes, many people want to do it, because the old software can’t running on windows vista. This article will give the best solution to make dual system on your pc and running the older programs on windows.

1. Repartition - You need to make two partitions on your hard drive. One for Vista, one for XP. The Vista install DVD includes an app called DiskPart that lets you do this, or try GParted, which is a little friendlier but requires a little more effort on your part. Split your hard drive into two chunks, and make sure each is big enough for each OS (at least 20GB). Format the partition as NTFS. You can also use a second hard drive if you’re on a desktop.

2. Check Your BIOS - If you’re using a SATA hard drive (the standard for a couple of years now), you’ll need to tweak your BIOS so XP, which came out well before SATA did, can see it. Just go into your computer’s setup app and hunt around for the options for your hard drive, often under “AHCI.” You want “compatibility,” “AHCI off,” or “IDE emulation” mode… something along those lines. Don’t worry, this won’t impact Vista at all.

3. Boot from an XP Disc - Now you can just follow the usual installation procedure. Just make sure you’re installing on the correct drive: Vista will be on the C drive. Your new partition will be E, F, or another drive letter.

4. Repair the MBR - Installing XP after Vista prevents Vista from loading properly because it overwrites a critical file. Repair the Master Boot Record by booting from a Vista DVD and selecting “Repair your computer,” then “Startup Repair.”

5. Install a Boot Manager - After all this, you’ll boot into Vista. You now need a boot manager to deal with the two OSes. Install EasyBCD (download at that link), run it, and click “Add/Remove Entries.” Change the drive to whatever you used in step 3, and change its type to “Windows NT/2k/XP/2k3.” Click Add Entry then Save. Any other boot manager will work, but EasyBCD is free.

When you reboot you’ll now get to choose which OS to go into.

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