Double Booting

[TiagoF]

Hi, I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit version and I need to install a 32-bit version of another Operating System (XP, Vista, 7, either one is fine).

This morning I created a partition to install Windows XP Professional 32-bit version, little did I know that it would result in Windows 7 crashing...

Apparently I cannot install Windows XP on top of Windows Vista/7, but I could do it if I had Windows XP installed first and then proceeded to install Windows 7.

I lost about 8 hours trying to fix my computer after this happened... After having it fixed I found this:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/919529

Now my question is...

Would it be possible to install Windows Vista on a different partition, even though I'm running Windows 7 on the main one?

I want to be able to choose either Windows 7 or Windows Vista at start-up so, if you don't have the answer, please take your time to read what I found on microsoft's website (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/919529).

Even though I speak fluent English, I can't understand if:

A) I can't install older versions such as Windows XP on top of Windows Vista/7...

or

B) I can't install older versions on top of a newer version, Windows Vista on top of Windows 7 for example.

Sorry if I'm too confusing, and thanks for the help in advance!

 

[WR2]

Your WinXP installation replaced the Win7 bootloader with the WinXP bootloader.
You could have fixed it in about a minute using the Win7 installation disk 'Repair' option to get the Win7 bootloader back.

Since Vista and Win7 use the same bootloader you can install Vista into a new primary partition without a problem.


If you want to install WinXP over Win7 follow this example:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/8790/dual-boot-your-pre-installed-windows-7-computer-with-xp/

 

[TiagoF]

Your WinXP installation replaced the Win7 bootloader with the WinXP bootloader.
You could have fixed it in about a minute using the Win7 installation disk 'Repair' option to get the Win7 bootloader back.

Since Vista and Win7 use the same bootloader you can install Vista into a new primary partition without a problem.


If you want to install WinXP over Win7 follow this example:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/8790/dual-boot-your-pre-installed-windows-7-computer-with-xp/

Seriously :L ?

Well, I wanna make sure I understand 100% of what you say before I start messing up again...

I have Windows 7 64-bit on Local Disk C.

I have an empty Partition called Local Disk D, on the same disk.

Can I install Windows Vista 32-bit on Local Disk D?

Without having to do anything else? Just install it and it's all done?

Sorry if I sound like an idiot...

EDIT: Just read that guide and I feel like an idiot now.

But I still, tell me more about Win7+Vista please >:

 

[WR2]

Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and Vista
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5166-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-vista.html
Just be careful to install Vista into the new partition.



Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html
Go to METHOD TWO: When Windows 7 is Installed First section.

 

[TiagoF]

Best answer selected by TiagoF.

 

[TiagoF]

Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and Vista
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5166-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-vista.html
Just be careful to install Vista into the new partition.



Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html
Go to METHOD TWO: When Windows 7 is Installed First section.

Thanks a bunch dude, tomorrow I'll try it out and I'll let you know how it went :L