Member Avatar for vin24

Hi guys, Vin here. I just like to ask if it is possible to dual boot two different operating system with different architecture(64 bit/32 bit)?

My current os is windows 7 hp 64bit and I would like to dual boot it with windows xp 32 bit....

Here's my computer specs:

Compaq CQ60-615DX
Intel Celeron 900 @ 2.2GHZ
2GB DDR2 RAM
Intel 4 series mobile chipset
Intel GMA 4500M (64MB Dedicated memory/Total memory is 797MB)
250GB HDD @ 7200RPM
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit

I hope you can give me solutions....
Thank you!

:)

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by saira.bibi.9250

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Short answer: yes — a 64-bit Windows 7 host and a 32-bit Windows XP guest can be set up to dual-boot, but the common problems on newer hardware are storage-controller drivers (XP lacks many SATA/AHCI drivers) and the bootloader order. Installing XP first is the cleanest approach, but with Win7 already on the machine there are a few reliable recovery/workflow options to avoid the BSOD and get both OSes selectable at boot. (howtogeek.com)

The BSOD you saw while XP setup was loading drivers is most often the STOP 0x0000007B (INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE): XP cannot talk to the disk because the controller is in AHCI/RAID mode or needs a vendor driver. First actions: note the exact STOP code and when it appears. If the BIOS offers a SATA mode option, switch to IDE/Compatibility/ATA and retry the install. If no compatibility mode exists, slipstream the laptop/chipset SATA driver into an XP install ISO (nLite) or provide the driver at the F6 prompt (floppy method). These approaches and the 0x7B root cause are well documented. (learn.microsoft.com)

If XP is installed after Win7 it will replace BOOTMGR with NTLDR and the system will boot straight into XP. Restore the Windows 7 bootloader using the Win7 DVD/System Recovery Command Prompt and the Bootrec tool, then add an XP entry (EasyBCD simplifies this). Example commands to run from the Win7 recovery prompt:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

After that, use EasyBCD to create a friendly boot menu entry for XP. (support.microsoft.com)

If preserving the existing Win7 install is a priority or driver work looks painful, run XP inside a VM (VirtualBox, VMware Player, or Windows XP Mode on qualifying Win7 editions) — that avoids hardware-driver headaches and keeps the host intact. Back up personal data first, keep an XP license/key handy, and consider the security risks of running unsupported XP. For quick reference: how-to guides on dual-boot steps, slipstreaming SATA drivers, Bootrec repair, and EasyBCD are linked above. (virtualbox.org)

Notes tied to the thread: and were right that installing XP first is simplest; since already has Win7, try the BIOS SATA-mode change or a slipstreamed XP ISO before reformatting. Check the boot list with msconfig as suggested after fixing the bootloader, and use EasyBCD (as some members discovered) if the Windows boot menu needs editing.

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All 11 Replies

Member Avatar for caperjack

QUICK ANSWER IS YES , best to search google for best way to do it

Member Avatar for BBAD

I have a Triple boot, so if XP on it first, install Win7 and it will do a menu for you on bootup.

Make sure you got a partition or a 2nd drive.

Edited by BBAD because: n/a
Member Avatar for vin24

I shrink my hard drive and created a partition for windows xp and when I tried to install windows xp after loading its basic drivers, I experienced BSOD and a I need to reboot my system. What should be the problem? Is it on my system or is it my drivers that are currently installed on my system?

Member Avatar for BBAD

Is you hardware compatible with XP? Sometimes you need XP drivers while installing.

Since you have Win7 already and trying to install XP , you will need a bootmanager, but let me know when you install XP first.

Member Avatar for vin24

my computer have a pre-installed os which is windows 7.... i want to dual boot it with xp.... Is it a good idea to use easyBCD?

Member Avatar for KushMishra

Hi to all.

I have installed Win 7 (64 bit) and Win XP (32 bit) on two different drives but when my computer boots up it is not showing any options to select the operating systems.

I have checked by going to My Computer->Properties->Advanced->Startup and Recovery->Settings but there is only one operating system shown in the drop down list i.e., XP.

I know Win 7 installation is fine because I was working on it earlier.

My Computer's Specifications are...
Dual core 2.5
2 GB RAM
250GB Hard Disk Space.

Please help its very urgent.

Thanks to all in advance.

Edited by KushMishra because: n/a
Member Avatar for KushMishra

Thanks for no replies guys...I have found the solution to my problem myself through a software.:)

Member Avatar for rpv_sen

Hi

Pls check it

Run command-->type msconfig --> select Boot Tab there you can able to see what are the OS installed in ur system and also check time out by default it should be 30 sec

Member Avatar for virgo_dc

Hi 1st install win xp then after win 7. U will easily do.
If yr processor is 64 bit. bcoz xp is 32 bit & 7 is both 32/64 bit.

Member Avatar for saira.bibi.9250

km today im in problm that how to run multipl process at one consloe pls help

Member Avatar for saira.bibi.9250

km today im in problm that how to run multipl process at one consloe pls help

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