DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Problem with dual booting Windows XP and 7

8 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/problem-with-dual-booting-windows-xp-and-7.169398/

L
lr7745 Original post #1
Jan 26, 2013 at 12:30 PM
I built a new rig yesterday to be used as a secondary PC and wanted to dual boot 32bit XP and 64 bit 7. I used the same config before on my main pc and faced no problems then. As before, I installed XP first and it ran without a hitch. Then I installed 7 on a different partition and it installed without any issues, too. But, after that if I start the computer, I don't get the option to choose windows 7 or older version of windows i.e. XP. It directly boots into 7. Can anyone help with this?? I really need to keep both OSes.

My config:
AMD A4-3300
Gigabyte A55M-DS2
WD Caviar Blue 500 GB
Corsair 450W

When I boot the system up it shows the Gigabyte screen, then where it ought to show the option to boot the OS of my choice, it shows "Loading Operating System", then "Boot From CD/DVD" (because I set priority as CD>HDD) and then boots Windows 7.
gameranand
Jan 26, 2013 at 12:39 PM
^^ Use EasyBCD. :)
L
lr7745 #3
Jan 27, 2013 at 9:32 AM
I used easybcd but it shows that only windows 7 is installed. :cry: I'll have to reinstall both and try it again, it seems...
gameranand
Jan 27, 2013 at 10:59 AM
^^ Do you know how to use it or not ?? Read some articles online, if you have installed XP then you won't have to do it again.
L
lr7745 #5
Jan 29, 2013 at 6:44 PM
I used it only after reading a few online tutorials, it doesn't show that XP is installed at all... So I decided to give up and use Windows 7 32 bit. Maybe I should try the XP mode? Is it only available for 64 bit 7 or is it there for 32 bit as well???
reniarahim1
Jan 29, 2013 at 8:18 PM
XP mode is available for both 32 bit and 64bit.
Gaurav265
Jan 29, 2013 at 8:40 PM
After installing win xp you have to install win 7 through win xp desktop,not directly by booting into DVD.Then you get the option to dual boot.I have experienced it before...
Vyom
Vyom #8
Jan 29, 2013 at 11:54 PM
Well. Installing Windows 7 after XP have no problem in dual booting. But only if you havn't erased XP partition while installing W7.
Can you see the partition of XP from within Win 7?