C
Colin Barnhorst
But you a drop in an ocean of knowledge workers.
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D
Dennis Pack
Colin:
I agree with you fully that information that we give needs to be
consistent and relevant. An additional note about dual booting XP and Vista.
Two ways of hiding the Vista partition from XP or XP x64 are a third party
boot manager or using BitLocker on the Vista partition. I'm using BitLocker
on Vista Enterprise x64, under drive management in Vista, BitLocker is
listed on the Vista partition and under XP the Vista partition drive letter
is listed bit not the partition name or data.
I agree with you fully that information that we give needs to be
consistent and relevant. An additional note about dual booting XP and Vista.
Two ways of hiding the Vista partition from XP or XP x64 are a third party
boot manager or using BitLocker on the Vista partition. I'm using BitLocker
on Vista Enterprise x64, under drive management in Vista, BitLocker is
listed on the Vista partition and under XP the Vista partition drive letter
is listed bit not the partition name or data.
C
Colin Barnhorst
Aha. I wondered how it showed up.
G
Guest
Colin Barnhorst said:Additional note: This is not a problem confined to system restore points
nor is it caused by System Restore. System Restore just happens to use
volsnap.sys to take its snapshots for the restore points it creates. This
is why you can restore from an existing restore point in Safe Mode but you
cannot create a new restore point in Safe Mode. Volsnap.sys isn't running
in Safe Mode. This also why the problem is unrelated to what volumes System
Restore might or might not be monitoring.
All those nice Previous Versions of your files that you can pick from in
Vista when you want to revert to a file in the form it was yesterday are
poof once you boot XP. A lot of other files are involved also.
G
Guest
Colin Barnhorst said:Additional note: This is not a problem confined to system restore points
nor is it caused by System Restore. System Restore just happens to use
volsnap.sys to take its snapshots for the restore points it creates. This
is why you can restore from an existing restore point in Safe Mode but you
cannot create a new restore point in Safe Mode. Volsnap.sys isn't running
in Safe Mode. This also why the problem is unrelated to what volumes System
Restore might or might not be monitoring.
All those nice Previous Versions of your files that you can pick from in
Vista when you want to revert to a file in the form it was yesterday are
poof once you boot XP. A lot of other files are involved also.
G
Guest
So what is the final disposition of this? I just got a new computer and it has
Vista on it. I also just bought another hard drive and I would like to put
my WINXP Home Edition on it. I would like it to ask me which to boot from
upon boot up. Can I do that since it is on a different hard drive, or can I
not do that because Vista (the newer OS) is already there? I'd like to
find out before I open the package for this new hard drive, so that I can
return it if I can't do this.
Thanks in advance for any answer.
Vista on it. I also just bought another hard drive and I would like to put
my WINXP Home Edition on it. I would like it to ask me which to boot from
upon boot up. Can I do that since it is on a different hard drive, or can I
not do that because Vista (the newer OS) is already there? I'd like to
find out before I open the package for this new hard drive, so that I can
return it if I can't do this.
Thanks in advance for any answer.
J
John Barnes
If your Windows XP license allows transfers, and you are going to live with
the Vista Restore problems, you can do it. You must do it carefully,
planning so you have the right boot files in the proper places. You can
mess things up if not installed properly. The safest way is to install XP
first, then with no changes to boot order, install Vista. If done in
reverse order you MUST know what you are doing, how to set system drives
etc.
the Vista Restore problems, you can do it. You must do it carefully,
planning so you have the right boot files in the proper places. You can
mess things up if not installed properly. The safest way is to install XP
first, then with no changes to boot order, install Vista. If done in
reverse order you MUST know what you are doing, how to set system drives
etc.
G
Gary VanderMolen
Just follow this procedure:
http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88231
Gary VanderMolen
http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88231
Gary VanderMolen
D
DanR
That's a great page with clear explanation. I had planned to buy a second
hard drive but may use this method of 2nd partition because the 'how to' is
so clear. What steps would be different when installing XP to a second hard
drive?
If I use this 2nd partition method and do install another hard drive for
data... would both Vista and XP see that 2nd data hard drive for installing
programs? Or would I need to hide that 2nd hard drive from one of the OSs.
Or would I need to partition the 2nd hard drive into 2 partitions... one for
each OS?
hard drive but may use this method of 2nd partition because the 'how to' is
so clear. What steps would be different when installing XP to a second hard
drive?
If I use this 2nd partition method and do install another hard drive for
data... would both Vista and XP see that 2nd data hard drive for installing
programs? Or would I need to hide that 2nd hard drive from one of the OSs.
Or would I need to partition the 2nd hard drive into 2 partitions... one for
each OS?
R
Ron Sommer
Install the new hard drive.
Disconnect the Vista drive.
Install XP to a partition on the new drive.
Create a partition for Data.
Reconnect the Vista drive.
Use Vistabootpro to add XP to the Vista boot.
--
Ronald Sommer
: That's a great page with clear explanation. I had planned to buy a second
: hard drive but may use this method of 2nd partition because the 'how to'
is
: so clear. What steps would be different when installing XP to a second
hard
: drive?
: If I use this 2nd partition method and do install another hard drive for
: data... would both Vista and XP see that 2nd data hard drive for
installing
: programs? Or would I need to hide that 2nd hard drive from one of the OSs.
: Or would I need to partition the 2nd hard drive into 2 partitions... one
for
: each OS?
:
:
:
: : > Just follow this procedure:
: > http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88231
: >
: > Gary VanderMolen
: >
: > : >> So what is the final disposition of this? I just got a new computer
and
: >> it has
: >> Vista on it. I also just bought another hard drive and I would like to
: >> put
: >> my WINXP Home Edition on it. I would like it to ask me which to boot
: >> from
: >> upon boot up. Can I do that since it is on a different hard drive, or
: >> can I
: >> not do that because Vista (the newer OS) is already there? I'd like to
: >> find out before I open the package for this new hard drive, so that I
can
: >> return it if I can't do this.
: >>
: >> Thanks in advance for any answer.
: >>
: >> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
: >>
: >>> Additional note: This is not a problem confined to system restore
: >>> points nor is it caused by System Restore. System Restore just
happens
: >>> to use volsnap.sys to take its snapshots for the restore points it
: >>> creates. This is why you can restore from an existing restore point
in
: >>> Safe Mode but you cannot create a new restore point in Safe Mode.
: >>> Volsnap.sys isn't running in Safe Mode. This also why the problem is
: >>> unrelated to what volumes System Restore might or might not be
: >>> monitoring.
: >>>
: >>> All those nice Previous Versions of your files that you can pick from
in
: >>> Vista when you want to revert to a file in the form it was yesterday
are
: >>> poof once you boot XP. A lot of other files are involved also.
: >>>
: >>> : >>> > Colin
: >>> >
: >>> > I'm not yet sure your warning applies to the installation of Vista
: >>> > from 'within' XP, where XP and Vista are seen as being on different
: >>> > partitions, and the restore points are then saved to their
respective
: >>> > drives. I suspect that the only problem is where you will see Vista
on
: >>> > 'C:\' and XP on 'C:\' depending on which you are booting to. Can you
: >>> > please clarify?
: >>> >
: >>> > John
:
Disconnect the Vista drive.
Install XP to a partition on the new drive.
Create a partition for Data.
Reconnect the Vista drive.
Use Vistabootpro to add XP to the Vista boot.
--
Ronald Sommer
: That's a great page with clear explanation. I had planned to buy a second
: hard drive but may use this method of 2nd partition because the 'how to'
is
: so clear. What steps would be different when installing XP to a second
hard
: drive?
: If I use this 2nd partition method and do install another hard drive for
: data... would both Vista and XP see that 2nd data hard drive for
installing
: programs? Or would I need to hide that 2nd hard drive from one of the OSs.
: Or would I need to partition the 2nd hard drive into 2 partitions... one
for
: each OS?
:
:
:
: : > Just follow this procedure:
: > http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88231
: >
: > Gary VanderMolen
: >
: > : >> So what is the final disposition of this? I just got a new computer
and
: >> it has
: >> Vista on it. I also just bought another hard drive and I would like to
: >> put
: >> my WINXP Home Edition on it. I would like it to ask me which to boot
: >> from
: >> upon boot up. Can I do that since it is on a different hard drive, or
: >> can I
: >> not do that because Vista (the newer OS) is already there? I'd like to
: >> find out before I open the package for this new hard drive, so that I
can
: >> return it if I can't do this.
: >>
: >> Thanks in advance for any answer.
: >>
: >> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
: >>
: >>> Additional note: This is not a problem confined to system restore
: >>> points nor is it caused by System Restore. System Restore just
happens
: >>> to use volsnap.sys to take its snapshots for the restore points it
: >>> creates. This is why you can restore from an existing restore point
in
: >>> Safe Mode but you cannot create a new restore point in Safe Mode.
: >>> Volsnap.sys isn't running in Safe Mode. This also why the problem is
: >>> unrelated to what volumes System Restore might or might not be
: >>> monitoring.
: >>>
: >>> All those nice Previous Versions of your files that you can pick from
in
: >>> Vista when you want to revert to a file in the form it was yesterday
are
: >>> poof once you boot XP. A lot of other files are involved also.
: >>>
: >>> : >>> > Colin
: >>> >
: >>> > I'm not yet sure your warning applies to the installation of Vista
: >>> > from 'within' XP, where XP and Vista are seen as being on different
: >>> > partitions, and the restore points are then saved to their
respective
: >>> > drives. I suspect that the only problem is where you will see Vista
on
: >>> > 'C:\' and XP on 'C:\' depending on which you are booting to. Can you
: >>> > please clarify?
: >>> >
: >>> > John
:
D
DanR
Sorry to get anal over this but...
Once I reconnect the Vista drive I assume that I leave the XP drive
connected. Which will be the C: drive when I do that first boot with both
drives connected?
Which OS do I run Vistabootpro from?
Thanks for this help.
Once I reconnect the Vista drive I assume that I leave the XP drive
connected. Which will be the C: drive when I do that first boot with both
drives connected?
Which OS do I run Vistabootpro from?
Thanks for this help.
D
DanR
Per the link I attempted to "Shrink" my C: volume but the maximum free space
I could create by shrinking was only 14.4GB. I have a 144GB drive (160
advertised) with 60GB free per "My Computer". So with 60GB free I'm
surprised I could only create a 14.4GB unallocated space for XP to live on.
(odd that it is 10%) I'm concerned that 14.4GB is not enough for XP and my
non-Vista apps so looks like I will have install XP on a 2nd physical hard
drive. So I'm off to the store now.
I could create by shrinking was only 14.4GB. I have a 144GB drive (160
advertised) with 60GB free per "My Computer". So with 60GB free I'm
surprised I could only create a 14.4GB unallocated space for XP to live on.
(odd that it is 10%) I'm concerned that 14.4GB is not enough for XP and my
non-Vista apps so looks like I will have install XP on a 2nd physical hard
drive. So I'm off to the store now.
J
John Barnes
After you install, reboot and first thing change boot priority back to have
the Vista drive first in boot priority. You will then boot to Vista and
install and run VistaBootPro from Vista. Add a legacy drive, which will be
your XP drive and point it at the XP drive. If you have a problem booting
it after running VistaBootPro, you may have to copy the ntldr ntdetect.com
and boot.ini files to the Vista root and adjust the boot.ini entry for the
location of XP.
the Vista drive first in boot priority. You will then boot to Vista and
install and run VistaBootPro from Vista. Add a legacy drive, which will be
your XP drive and point it at the XP drive. If you have a problem booting
it after running VistaBootPro, you may have to copy the ntldr ntdetect.com
and boot.ini files to the Vista root and adjust the boot.ini entry for the
location of XP.
G
Gary VanderMolen
I've never used Vista's volume shrinking function, so I can't comment
on it. I used BootItNG to shrink the XP volume on my 80GB laptop HD
to 40GB, then installed Vista into the second 40GB partition.
Gary VanderMolen
on it. I used BootItNG to shrink the XP volume on my 80GB laptop HD
to 40GB, then installed Vista into the second 40GB partition.
Gary VanderMolen
G
Gary VanderMolen
You haven't explained why all this disconnecting/reconnecting drives
is really necessary and for what reason.
The only problem with dual booting is that XP tends to delete
Vista's system restore files. There are a few workarounds posted
on the web, but I don't think your procedure achieves this.
Gary VanderMolen
is really necessary and for what reason.
The only problem with dual booting is that XP tends to delete
Vista's system restore files. There are a few workarounds posted
on the web, but I don't think your procedure achieves this.
Gary VanderMolen
R
Ron Sommer
If a drive is disconnected, it cannot be formatted by mistake.
--
Ronald Sommer
: You haven't explained why all this disconnecting/reconnecting drives
: is really necessary and for what reason.
:
: The only problem with dual booting is that XP tends to delete
: Vista's system restore files. There are a few workarounds posted
: on the web, but I don't think your procedure achieves this.
:
: Gary VanderMolen
:
: > Install the new hard drive.
: > Disconnect the Vista drive.
: > Install XP to a partition on the new drive.
: > Create a partition for Data.
: > Reconnect the Vista drive.
: > Use Vistabootpro to add XP to the Vista boot.
: > --
: > Ronald Sommer
: >
: > : > : That's a great page with clear explanation. I had planned to buy a
second
: > : hard drive but may use this method of 2nd partition because the 'how
to'
: > is
: > : so clear. What steps would be different when installing XP to a second
: > hard
: > : drive?
: > : If I use this 2nd partition method and do install another hard drive
for
: > : data... would both Vista and XP see that 2nd data hard drive for
: > installing
: > : programs? Or would I need to hide that 2nd hard drive from one of the
OSs.
: > : Or would I need to partition the 2nd hard drive into 2 partitions...
one
: > for
: > : each OS?
: > :
: > :
: > :
: > : : > : > Just follow this procedure:
: > : > http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88231
: > : >
: > : > Gary VanderMolen
: > : >
: > : > : > : >> So what is the final disposition of this? I just got a new
computer
: > and
: > : >> it has
: > : >> Vista on it. I also just bought another hard drive and I would
like to
: > : >> put
: > : >> my WINXP Home Edition on it. I would like it to ask me which to
boot
: > : >> from
: > : >> upon boot up. Can I do that since it is on a different hard drive,
or
: > : >> can I
: > : >> not do that because Vista (the newer OS) is already there? I'd
like to
: > : >> find out before I open the package for this new hard drive, so that
I
: > can
: > : >> return it if I can't do this.
: > : >>
: > : >> Thanks in advance for any answer.
: > : >>
: > : >> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
: > : >>
: > : >>> Additional note: This is not a problem confined to system restore
: > : >>> points nor is it caused by System Restore. System Restore just
: > happens
: > : >>> to use volsnap.sys to take its snapshots for the restore points it
: > : >>> creates. This is why you can restore from an existing restore
point
: > in
: > : >>> Safe Mode but you cannot create a new restore point in Safe Mode.
: > : >>> Volsnap.sys isn't running in Safe Mode. This also why the problem
is
: > : >>> unrelated to what volumes System Restore might or might not be
: > : >>> monitoring.
: > : >>>
: > : >>> All those nice Previous Versions of your files that you can pick
from
: > in
: > : >>> Vista when you want to revert to a file in the form it was
yesterday
: > are
: > : >>> poof once you boot XP. A lot of other files are involved also.
: > : >>>
: > : >>> : > : >>> > Colin
: > : >>> >
: > : >>> > I'm not yet sure your warning applies to the installation of
Vista
: > : >>> > from 'within' XP, where XP and Vista are seen as being on
different
: > : >>> > partitions, and the restore points are then saved to their
: > respective
: > : >>> > drives. I suspect that the only problem is where you will see
Vista
: > on
: > : >>> > 'C:\' and XP on 'C:\' depending on which you are booting to. Can
you
: > : >>> > please clarify?
: > : >>> >
: > : >>> > John
:
: --
: Gary VanderMolen
:
--
Ronald Sommer
: You haven't explained why all this disconnecting/reconnecting drives
: is really necessary and for what reason.
:
: The only problem with dual booting is that XP tends to delete
: Vista's system restore files. There are a few workarounds posted
: on the web, but I don't think your procedure achieves this.
:
: Gary VanderMolen
:
: > Install the new hard drive.
: > Disconnect the Vista drive.
: > Install XP to a partition on the new drive.
: > Create a partition for Data.
: > Reconnect the Vista drive.
: > Use Vistabootpro to add XP to the Vista boot.
: > --
: > Ronald Sommer
: >
: > : > : That's a great page with clear explanation. I had planned to buy a
second
: > : hard drive but may use this method of 2nd partition because the 'how
to'
: > is
: > : so clear. What steps would be different when installing XP to a second
: > hard
: > : drive?
: > : If I use this 2nd partition method and do install another hard drive
for
: > : data... would both Vista and XP see that 2nd data hard drive for
: > installing
: > : programs? Or would I need to hide that 2nd hard drive from one of the
OSs.
: > : Or would I need to partition the 2nd hard drive into 2 partitions...
one
: > for
: > : each OS?
: > :
: > :
: > :
: > : : > : > Just follow this procedure:
: > : > http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88231
: > : >
: > : > Gary VanderMolen
: > : >
: > : > : > : >> So what is the final disposition of this? I just got a new
computer
: > and
: > : >> it has
: > : >> Vista on it. I also just bought another hard drive and I would
like to
: > : >> put
: > : >> my WINXP Home Edition on it. I would like it to ask me which to
boot
: > : >> from
: > : >> upon boot up. Can I do that since it is on a different hard drive,
or
: > : >> can I
: > : >> not do that because Vista (the newer OS) is already there? I'd
like to
: > : >> find out before I open the package for this new hard drive, so that
I
: > can
: > : >> return it if I can't do this.
: > : >>
: > : >> Thanks in advance for any answer.
: > : >>
: > : >> "Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
: > : >>
: > : >>> Additional note: This is not a problem confined to system restore
: > : >>> points nor is it caused by System Restore. System Restore just
: > happens
: > : >>> to use volsnap.sys to take its snapshots for the restore points it
: > : >>> creates. This is why you can restore from an existing restore
point
: > in
: > : >>> Safe Mode but you cannot create a new restore point in Safe Mode.
: > : >>> Volsnap.sys isn't running in Safe Mode. This also why the problem
is
: > : >>> unrelated to what volumes System Restore might or might not be
: > : >>> monitoring.
: > : >>>
: > : >>> All those nice Previous Versions of your files that you can pick
from
: > in
: > : >>> Vista when you want to revert to a file in the form it was
yesterday
: > are
: > : >>> poof once you boot XP. A lot of other files are involved also.
: > : >>>
: > : >>> : > : >>> > Colin
: > : >>> >
: > : >>> > I'm not yet sure your warning applies to the installation of
Vista
: > : >>> > from 'within' XP, where XP and Vista are seen as being on
different
: > : >>> > partitions, and the restore points are then saved to their
: > respective
: > : >>> > drives. I suspect that the only problem is where you will see
Vista
: > on
: > : >>> > 'C:\' and XP on 'C:\' depending on which you are booting to. Can
you
: > : >>> > please clarify?
: > : >>> >
: > : >>> > John
:
: --
: Gary VanderMolen
:
D
DanR
Installed a 2nd hard drive and all is well. The road was a bit bumpy but
I've got XP and Vista dual booting.
I'm so tired now so can't go into any details.
Thanks to all for guidance.
I've got XP and Vista dual booting.
I'm so tired now so can't go into any details.
Thanks to all for guidance.
G
Guest
DanR, when you recoup, could you outline the details for me? I won't be able
to start before tomorrow or the next day anyway. I have the 2nd hard drive
in but have not installed XP on it. My XP cd is an upgrade cd and am not
sure it would be recognized by vista....plus, it says it is already
activated, and the install portion is grayed out. I suppose that means I
have to buy another copy, but I don't want to do that unless I can also
follow what you did to dual boot. By the way, I am doing this into a
completely new computer which already has VISTA on it as C drive.
to start before tomorrow or the next day anyway. I have the 2nd hard drive
in but have not installed XP on it. My XP cd is an upgrade cd and am not
sure it would be recognized by vista....plus, it says it is already
activated, and the install portion is grayed out. I suppose that means I
have to buy another copy, but I don't want to do that unless I can also
follow what you did to dual boot. By the way, I am doing this into a
completely new computer which already has VISTA on it as C drive.
D
DanR
Here is how I recall my day of Vista/XP juggling. My method is a direct
result of others here advising me.
My computer came with Windows MCE 2005 and I upgraded to Vista. Not a clean
install but an upgrade.
First of all bookmark this site:
http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88231
The information there is excellent. It explains how to install XP on a 2nd
partition but most of the steps are the same when installing on a 2nd hard
drive. You'll need to reference this page as you go through the formatting
etc steps. So maybe print it out or have another computer nearby to view it.
You will also need this application:
http://www.vistabootpro.org/
So download it ahead of time and have it available on a CD or flash device.
CD may be wiser as once you install XP your CD drive is obviously working.
And download the stand alone version of .Net-Framework 2 and put on your CD.
Also download all the drivers you'll need for the XP installation. Burn them
to CD. If you only have one computer and your missing critical drivers you
will be stuck with XP that won't do much. And you will not be able to get
back into Vista.
An aside: I bought a WD SATA hard drive and had a heck of a time getting it
installed in my Dell E510. I had to destroy the Dell hard drive plastic
container and the side of the computer case barely, barely fit back on as
the drive stuck out a bit too far and the SATA cable plug is not where Dell
wants it to be.
But after installing the hard drive I did the partitioning and formatting
per the instructions at the pro-networks site from within Vista. Skip the
part about "shrinking the Vista Partition". After formatting right click on
the new partition and click "make active". This step is not in the
pro-networks instructions. I don't know how different a fast or normal
format is but I did the normal format. Took maybe half an hour for 125GB
partition. Following the instructions I rebooted twice.
Then per the instructions I put the Windows XP setup CD in the drive and
rebooted again.
Now it's time to install XP. Make sure you get all the way through. And make
sure you install to your new hard drive. Probably D: or as the instructions
point out drive 1. (drive 0 being your C: drive)
I had a problem here. My Dell did not come with Windows MCE disks so I had
to scrounge up the install disks. There were 2 OEM CDs. After CD one was
finished I was instructed to insert CD two. Then I was instructed to insert
CD two again. I was stuck as the file that XP was looking for was not on CD
two. And it was asking for Windows Pro CD two. I eventually put CD one back
in and the install continued to the end. I'll never know why this happened.
Once XP is installed load all the drivers. Once I loaded my drivers and XP
saw the Internet it started downloading updates so I let that process
complete itself. It downloaded a lot of updates but not all of them. I could
not get the remaining updates until I "activated" XP and did the Windows
advantage thing. (or whatever it's called) But... after the initial updates
I
installed and ran the "Vista Bootloader" program. Following the instructions
from Pronetworks I created the dual boot menu. I held my breath and rebooted
and amazingly the dual boot menu popped up and I booted to Vista and then
back to XP and then to Vista and then back to XP. I could not believe my
month+ old Vista compatibility problem was somewhat solved.
I then did the remainder of the XP updates (had to activate) and found a few
better drivers than the ones I had on hand. I had forgotten to get my video
card driver ahead of time so XP was sluggish until I installed it.
See the thread in Vista.General subject "Dual Boot Issues" 3/12/2007. It
refers to issues you might have in dual boot environments.
As far as license and activation issues... I used the product key on the
sticker stuck to my computer case. It worked for me even though some here
say that once you upgrade from XP to Vista the XP license is invalid. So
apparently my Dell Windows MCE was activated with a bulk type license and
the one printed on my sticker had not been used. I had run Belarc Advisor
but had not paid attention to or written down the product key for the
original XP MCE. I wish I had so I could understand this better. But the
product key was right there on my computer and it worked and I don't feel
that I've cheated MS. I am not running the two OSs at the same time and they
are not on 2 computers. And I had very critical hardware and software issues
with Vista compatibility and had to go back to XP. I was prepared to scrap
Vista completely but my Dell restore partition was apparently corrupted by
the Vista install and even if it would have worked I likely would have had
re-activation problems due to the same product code. So I'm happy about the
way it turned out even though it cost me another hundred dollars. (hard
drive)
I hope this gives you hope. Follow the instructions exactly. Do the right
click "make partition active" or words to that effect after you format.
About you having the XP "upgrade" version of Windows XP Home. What did you
use that upgrade disk for? Did you upgrade from 98 or ME via that disk?
Could be that you have to stick in the old OS CD and let XP install sniff
it. You may have issues with using an upgrade disk / key. But the key is the
critical thing here. If you have a valid key you can use any CD media. (I
think) And having Vista recognize the XP CD is not relevant. While you are
installing XP... Vista is asleep and out of the picture. And I'm not sure
how the "install portion" would be grayed out or how the computer would know
at this point that the disk / key had already been activated. While
installing XP you are not connected to the Internet. So seems to me if you
install and use a "used" but valid key you won't have problems until the
installation is complete. I think the worst that could happen then is that
you buy a legal copy of XP and use that key. You would not have to
re-install. Someone might correct this statement as I'm not positive you can
enter a valid key after you install with a used key. You may want to
research that issue.
Good luck and I mean it.
result of others here advising me.
My computer came with Windows MCE 2005 and I upgraded to Vista. Not a clean
install but an upgrade.
First of all bookmark this site:
http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88231
The information there is excellent. It explains how to install XP on a 2nd
partition but most of the steps are the same when installing on a 2nd hard
drive. You'll need to reference this page as you go through the formatting
etc steps. So maybe print it out or have another computer nearby to view it.
You will also need this application:
http://www.vistabootpro.org/
So download it ahead of time and have it available on a CD or flash device.
CD may be wiser as once you install XP your CD drive is obviously working.
And download the stand alone version of .Net-Framework 2 and put on your CD.
Also download all the drivers you'll need for the XP installation. Burn them
to CD. If you only have one computer and your missing critical drivers you
will be stuck with XP that won't do much. And you will not be able to get
back into Vista.
An aside: I bought a WD SATA hard drive and had a heck of a time getting it
installed in my Dell E510. I had to destroy the Dell hard drive plastic
container and the side of the computer case barely, barely fit back on as
the drive stuck out a bit too far and the SATA cable plug is not where Dell
wants it to be.
But after installing the hard drive I did the partitioning and formatting
per the instructions at the pro-networks site from within Vista. Skip the
part about "shrinking the Vista Partition". After formatting right click on
the new partition and click "make active". This step is not in the
pro-networks instructions. I don't know how different a fast or normal
format is but I did the normal format. Took maybe half an hour for 125GB
partition. Following the instructions I rebooted twice.
Then per the instructions I put the Windows XP setup CD in the drive and
rebooted again.
Now it's time to install XP. Make sure you get all the way through. And make
sure you install to your new hard drive. Probably D: or as the instructions
point out drive 1. (drive 0 being your C: drive)
I had a problem here. My Dell did not come with Windows MCE disks so I had
to scrounge up the install disks. There were 2 OEM CDs. After CD one was
finished I was instructed to insert CD two. Then I was instructed to insert
CD two again. I was stuck as the file that XP was looking for was not on CD
two. And it was asking for Windows Pro CD two. I eventually put CD one back
in and the install continued to the end. I'll never know why this happened.
Once XP is installed load all the drivers. Once I loaded my drivers and XP
saw the Internet it started downloading updates so I let that process
complete itself. It downloaded a lot of updates but not all of them. I could
not get the remaining updates until I "activated" XP and did the Windows
advantage thing. (or whatever it's called) But... after the initial updates
I
installed and ran the "Vista Bootloader" program. Following the instructions
from Pronetworks I created the dual boot menu. I held my breath and rebooted
and amazingly the dual boot menu popped up and I booted to Vista and then
back to XP and then to Vista and then back to XP. I could not believe my
month+ old Vista compatibility problem was somewhat solved.
I then did the remainder of the XP updates (had to activate) and found a few
better drivers than the ones I had on hand. I had forgotten to get my video
card driver ahead of time so XP was sluggish until I installed it.
See the thread in Vista.General subject "Dual Boot Issues" 3/12/2007. It
refers to issues you might have in dual boot environments.
As far as license and activation issues... I used the product key on the
sticker stuck to my computer case. It worked for me even though some here
say that once you upgrade from XP to Vista the XP license is invalid. So
apparently my Dell Windows MCE was activated with a bulk type license and
the one printed on my sticker had not been used. I had run Belarc Advisor
but had not paid attention to or written down the product key for the
original XP MCE. I wish I had so I could understand this better. But the
product key was right there on my computer and it worked and I don't feel
that I've cheated MS. I am not running the two OSs at the same time and they
are not on 2 computers. And I had very critical hardware and software issues
with Vista compatibility and had to go back to XP. I was prepared to scrap
Vista completely but my Dell restore partition was apparently corrupted by
the Vista install and even if it would have worked I likely would have had
re-activation problems due to the same product code. So I'm happy about the
way it turned out even though it cost me another hundred dollars. (hard
drive)
I hope this gives you hope. Follow the instructions exactly. Do the right
click "make partition active" or words to that effect after you format.
About you having the XP "upgrade" version of Windows XP Home. What did you
use that upgrade disk for? Did you upgrade from 98 or ME via that disk?
Could be that you have to stick in the old OS CD and let XP install sniff
it. You may have issues with using an upgrade disk / key. But the key is the
critical thing here. If you have a valid key you can use any CD media. (I
think) And having Vista recognize the XP CD is not relevant. While you are
installing XP... Vista is asleep and out of the picture. And I'm not sure
how the "install portion" would be grayed out or how the computer would know
at this point that the disk / key had already been activated. While
installing XP you are not connected to the Internet. So seems to me if you
install and use a "used" but valid key you won't have problems until the
installation is complete. I think the worst that could happen then is that
you buy a legal copy of XP and use that key. You would not have to
re-install. Someone might correct this statement as I'm not positive you can
enter a valid key after you install with a used key. You may want to
research that issue.
Good luck and I mean it.
G
Guest
Thanks very much for the info....now I am not sure I want to do it all, and
may just stick with vista....but I will read it again and see....I don't know
either how a computer not connected to the internet can see that a cd has
already been used...perhaps I missed a step when I installed and formatted
the hard drive...I will check that out...I printed your message...and will
try at least part of it...Thanks for your help...No, I would not want to try
to cheat Bill out of what is due to him...
may just stick with vista....but I will read it again and see....I don't know
either how a computer not connected to the internet can see that a cd has
already been used...perhaps I missed a step when I installed and formatted
the hard drive...I will check that out...I printed your message...and will
try at least part of it...Thanks for your help...No, I would not want to try
to cheat Bill out of what is due to him...
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