Which should I install first, Windows XP or Windows 7?

Which should I install first, Windows XP or Windows 7?

I already have an existing Windows 7 installation and want to dual boot to XP. I already create a partition for the XP installation. If I proceed with the Windows XP installation, will anything bad happen to my Windows 7 (erased MBR, etc)? What is the best way to dual boot Windows 7 and XP? XP first then Windows 7 or is it the other way around?

Asked by: Guest | Views: 331

Total answers/comments: 2

Comments display order:

Guest [Entry]

"Although the recommended method is to install XP and then Windows 7, there is no need to reinstall in your case.

Follow this guide (edited below) using a free tool called EasyBCD.

Download and install EasyBCD. Click I Agree to the license agreement,
click Next to install in the default
location, and the installation wizard
will do the rest.
Click View Settings.
Change the Default OS to Windows 7. The operating system to
associate the settings with should be
Windows 7 too. Select the drive on
which Windows 7 is installed under
Drive. Type Windows 7 in the
Name box and press Save Settings.
Click Add/Remove Entries.
Under Add an Entry, choose the Windows tab. Select the drive on
which Windows 7 is installed. Type
Windows 7 in the Name box and
press Add Entry.
Under Add an Entry, choose the Windows tab. Select the drive on
which Windows XP is installed. Type
Windows XP in the Name box and press
Add Entry.
Exit EasyBCD and restart your computer to be presented with a
multi-boot option screen for Windows
XP and Windows 7."

Guest [Entry]

Why do you need to dual boot XP? If you have Ultimate just install Windows 7 then install XP mode in Windows 7 and it's all virtualized. Unless you have some specific reason for it which you could add to the question.