Step by Step Guide to Install Windows XP Over an Existing Installation of Windows 7

Normally it is not possible to install Windows XP with Windows 7 installed first (dual boot). You need to install Windows XP first and then install Windows 7. But, you can install Windows XP over existing Windows 7 without affecting your Windows 7 installation; here is how you do it.

This tutorial is very simple, so any one can try this, if you have a copy of Windows 7 and Windows XP CD in hand. The only additional software required is EasyBCD utility (free) that you can download here.

1. In your Windows 7 machine, insert Windows XP CD and install it (If your Windows 7 is installed in C: drive, then install the Windows XP on any other drive, for example D: drive).
2. Then, restart your system and you’ll see that it boots directly into Windows XP.
3. Now, you’ll have to restore your Windows 7. Insert Windows 7 DVD and boot from it.
4. Select “Repair your computer” option and Let the repairing finish and your system will reboot into Windows 7.
5. Now install EasyBCD and run it. Click on the ‘Add New Entries’ tab and choose Windows tab. Select Type as ‘Windows NT/2k/XP/2k3’.
6. Name the entry to your liking (for example Windows XP) and click ‘Add Entry ‘button to save the settings.
7. After restarting you’ll see the dual-boot option, with Windows 7 and Windows XP as the two options.

Hope you’ll enjoy this tutorial (via)