How we can install Windows XP while Windows Vista already has installed on our system?
This question usually happend when we don't want to leave our XP and also we don't want to be stopped! Don't be worry, There are some capablilities inside the Vista that helps us to do this easy.
If at first time you have installed Windows XP on your system and now you want to install Windows Vista, the only thing you need is one extra partition for installing new Windows and not upgrading it!
But problem is for some people that buy new system with Windows Vista! Vista can not be downgraded to XP and if you have an extra partition also its not easy to do!
In this article we think you purchase a laptop that it has just one partition and it is also ocuppied with Vista. If your question is like this story follow this article to solve your problem.
Important Note:
1- Before starting the process check that the hardware drivers ready for you, you can check the manufacturer site and check that they prepared drivers for Windows XP or not, because withot drivers your new installation will not be completed.
2- Windows XP don't have any built in driver for detecting new sata hard drives specially installed on new laptops, then you should first make windows installation cd containing related drivers. There are some resources on internet about this issue but if you can't find it Contact me for more information.
We will follow the article with three major parts:
a. Something about partition management in Vista
b. Windows Installation process
Using partition management in Vista:
This is the first time that Microsoft let to shrink the partition size without loosing data.
In previous versions of Windows it was impossible to reduce size of a partition and the only way for this job was through third parties programs ( such as PowerQuest PartitionMagic ).
But in Vista we can shrink the partition size in two way:
1- using the diskpart utility, this is a command based program.
2- using disk management GUI, this is graphical and easy to use.
I suggest disk management.
follow this path:
click on "Start" -> right click on "Computer" -> click on "Manage" ,
A warning message will appear , this is due to a new feature in Vista for more security. click on "Continue".
In "Computer Management" window choose "Disk Management" ,then right click on desired partition.
Now click on "Shrink Volume" , Vista will check how much space of partition already used and how much available to shrinking.
Maximum amount will be default amount but you can change it, and when you click on shrink , it will be separated as free unpartition space.
There is a reverse way also as new feature in Vista, you can extend a partition size to occupy any available free unpartitioned space.
Now you have some space to make a partition for another Windows!
a- Right click on Unallocated space and choose "New Simple Volume ..."
b- In the wizard window click on "Next" , maximum amount will be default amount but you can change it ,Click on "Next"
c- You should choose a drive letter , default is the first alphabetic letter.
d- Accept default setting and also check mark the option: "Perform a quick format"
e- Click on "Finish" and wait until the new partition be formatted and be healthy.
For installing Windows XP , you should restart the system and start to installing Windows either with bootcd or network installation.
Just be careful! Install Windows XP on the new partition you have already prepared.
3. Now you have Windows XP and seems that you missed the Vista!
Yes , Windows XP has overwrited the boot sector for itself. Next step is using the installation DVD or Vista Recovery CD to repair the Windows Vista.
4. Now you have Windows Vista and seems that you missed the XP!
Yes , Windows Vista has owned the boot sector, But the good thing is that Windows Vista support multi OS booting.
We can modify boot options to see Windows XP beside of Vista but its not as simple as changing boot.ini in previous versions.
There is a utility you can use it: EasyBcd is a simple utility that you can use it to modify the boot options in rest!