Can I add XP after Vista (dual boot)?

This is a short copy of instructions I created for a friend to use as I have a dual boot system that works great. You can also do this with a current XP cd. These just refer to an old one for thats the cd he had. This will work if you do it right. You will need a program called easyBCD 1.6 (there are others that will work but this is what i used). http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1 this link is where you get it when you need it. the instructions will tell you where.

Dual Boot

*NOTES*
1. These instructions are using the XP edition without Service Pack 2.
2. To use the Vista that comes with the computer first install it and then make a copy of it using some backup partitioning software. Finally, when it is time to install Vista just restore that copy to the C: drive.


1. Use the XP CD to clear the hard drive.
2. Use the XP CD to create 2 partitions. Make C: 50GB and give D: the rest (about 78 GB).
3. Install XP in the D: drive (Partition 2).
4. When asked about how the computer is connected to the internet choose: DSL-NEXT- No, this computer is always connected to the internet.-NEXT- Obtain IP automatically/ Obtain DNS automatically.-NEXT- No, Remind me every few days.-FINISH.
5. Put all drivers on XP to update it. also copy boot.ini (its in the D partition and not in any folders or anything like that.) save this copy on a cd or such
6. Install Vista in the C: drive (Partition 1).
7. When in Vista make a copy of the D: drive which is XP using some backup partitioning software.
8. Delete the D: drive. So now there should only be Vista and unallocated space.
9. Use Vista’s Disk Management to extend the C: drive to 150GB. This should leave about 148GB left in unallocated space.
10. Use the backup partitioning software to restore the D: drive. Restore it to the 148GB of unallocated space.
11. Now when in Vista go to Disk Management and make sure Vista is your System drive, it is the C: drive, and it is the first drive listed. Also, check to see that XP is on the D: drive, is a primary partition, and is the second drive listed. Make sure both say they are healthy.
12. Go to Tools (Can be found in classic menu)/ Folder Options/ View and click Show Hidden Folders and unclick Hide Protected Operating System Files.
13. Copy NTLDR (Found on XP CD in I386 folder) and NTDETECT (Found on XP CD in I386 folder) to the XP Partition (Just on the D: drive and not in any folders).
14. Then go to the CD and right click on boot.ini and select edit. Make sure it reads
[boot loader]
timeout=10
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
if it doesn’t then edit it so it does. (Last 2 lines are 1 line)
15. Then copy boot.ini to the XP Partition in the same place as NTLDR and NTDETECT.
16. Now copy NTLDR, NTDETECT, and boot.ini to the Vista Partition (Just on the C: drive and not in any folders).
17. Install EasyBCD 1.6 Then open EasyBCD (do not worry about the error message that comes up. Just make sure it says C: and click continue).
18. Go to Add/ Remove Entries and add Windows XP using the C: drive.
19. Go to Configure Boot and edit the names to Windows Vista and Windows XP. Or whatever you choose of names