Windows XP

Due to the performance benefits, I want to install Windows XP onto my Windows Vista drive and create a dual boot. I have a cd but have not been very successful so far. It would either crash or make XP the dominant operating system, without leaving me a selection choice at startup. Can someone guide me through the steps? (When Microsoft ends support for XP, will I not be able to get previous updates?)

I believe the way it normally works for any Windows setup is that the older version (XP in this case) has to be installed first. However, I found this which seems to get around that- How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots

You should be able to get all available updates for XP.

Be very careful when using easy BCD or you could be left with no boot option for either system. I suggest that you emulate a dual boot environment on a virtual machine or a machine that you don't depend upon before attempting to do so on any machine that you depend upon. Of course you should also perform a backup. Next April although there won't be any more updates you should be able to get current updates and updates released between now and then.

Keep in mind that XP is out of date and not as secure as Vista and 7. With the exception of backwards compatibility I can't see any reason to downgrade unless you have an underpowered system.

I can't seem to be able to find EasyBCD. How about Linux? Is it faster as in using less resources than vista?

You can't find it through google? The official site doesn't appear to be working however there is a download page on cnet.
https://neosmart.net/EasyBCD/
https://neosmart.net/
Download EasyBCD Community Edition 2.2.0.182 Free - A handy tool for tweaking your system - Softpedia

As for Linux I don't care for it as a desktop OS. I have found it to use less resources however don't depend upon your windows applications running.

XGenius said:

I can't seem to be able to find EasyBCD. How about Linux? Is it faster as in using less resources than vista?

Click to expand...

I use Linux a lot because it is really faster and a lot safer for internet browsing. I use it in virtual partitions under VMware Player. Here is a boot time comparison (under VMware) of Windows 8 (which is supposed to be fast) and Mint. Count only the time from when the OS logo appears, the rest is VMware setup.

Booting Windows 8 and Mint - YouTube

Here is a series of Mint tutorials that I made - you may find those useful. You can either download (right click) the PDF control sheet or view it in Chrome (double click on the box)

Mint Mate tutorials

Thanks guys.