Multi-boot configuration with XP and Vista

[Guest]

My new computer came loaded with Vista Home Premium. There are many instances
where I'd like to be able to boot to XP, but the Help says the earlier
Windows version must be loaded first or the computer might become inoperable.
The laptop came with restore disks, not a Windows Vista disk as such so I
don't know if it's even possible to reload Vista.

I saw in some other posts a suggestion to someone to create a multi-boot
system to solve problems with hardware compatibility in Vista by installing
XP in another partitition.

Am I likely to cause myself serious problems if I create a new boot
partition and install XP with Vista already installed?

Thanks!

 

[Don]

...
Am I likely to cause myself serious problems if I create a new boot
partition and install XP with Vista already installed?

Yes, but the problem is fixable. Each version of Windows will overwrite
the existing MBR (Master Boot Record) on your boot disk with the MBR
that *it* thinks is the latest and greatest -- even if it's wrong.

Fortunately, each Windows installer comes with a way of reinstalling
your MBR with the latest version.

After installing XP, you will need to boot from the Vista install DVD
and use its repair facility to reinstall the Vista boot manager.

Lots of previous posts on the same subject -- google will tell you more.

 

[Rock]

My new computer came loaded with Vista Home Premium. There are many
instances
where I'd like to be able to boot to XP, but the Help says the earlier
Windows version must be loaded first or the computer might become
inoperable.
The laptop came with restore disks, not a Windows Vista disk as such so I
don't know if it's even possible to reload Vista.

I saw in some other posts a suggestion to someone to create a multi-boot
system to solve problems with hardware compatibility in Vista by
installing
XP in another partitition.

Am I likely to cause myself serious problems if I create a new boot
partition and install XP with Vista already installed?

See these links:
Dual boot XP and vista where you install XP after vista
http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/about88924.html&sid=4d74351046374ca79e6dd6090b0bd9a2

Windows Vista no longer starts after you install an earlier version of the
Windows operating system in a dual-boot configuration
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/919529