Install Windows 7 on the same disk as XP

Partitioning Windows XP PC’s hard disk in readiness for running Windows 7 in a ‘dual boot’ scenario is a little more complicated than attempting to run Windows 7 on the same disk as Vista.

The problem is that XP cannot resize existing partitions – but a free program called Gparted can do the job. Before proceeding, be sure to perform a backup in case things go wrong.

Now use a disc-burning tool like Nero to burn the downloaded ISO file to CD. Don't just copy the ISO file onto a CD because it won't work; it must be burned as an image.

CDBurnerXP from is a completely free program that is able to burn CDs from ISO images.

To load and run GParted, the PC must be set to start from its CD drive. Most new computers are supplied in this way or can be made to boot from a CD by changing the boot options within the BIOS set-up program.

Soon after booting from the CD, when asked to choose which version of Linux to load, just press Enter. When asked to choose a keymap, type UK and press Enter. When asked to choose a language, type 02 (for British English) and then press Enter. GParted will now launch, ready for action.

GParted the XP PC's main hard disk, which it designates as /dev/hda. If the drive has additional partitions/drives they will be identified by sequential numbers (/dev/hda1, /dev/hda2 and so on).

Right-click on the existing Windows XP partition, select Resize/Move and then drag the slider to reduce the partition size, thereby freeing up space for Windows 7: remember, Microsoft recommends least 16GB. When done, click Apply to commit the changes.

Now, restart the PC with the Windows 7 installation disc in the drive and allow the installation to proceed. When reaching the point of selecting an installation location, choose the partition just created (it’ll be labelled ‘Unallocated Space’ and will be the size set above). From this point on, Windows 7 will take charge and there’s little else to worry about.

When the installation finishes and the PC restarts a new Windows Boot Manager menu will be displayed. It’ll contain two options: Windows 7 and ‘Earlier Version of Windows’ (this being Windows XP). Just use the cursor keys to select which version of Windows to load and away you go.

Free Windows 7 videos:
Upgrade to Windows 7 from XP part 1
Upgrade to Windows 7 from XP part 2
Upgrade to Windows 7 from Vista
Can my PC run Windows 7?
Use the Windows 7 Start menu
Use the Windows 7 Taskbar
Use Libraries in Windows 7
Guide to Snap and Shake in Windows 7 Aero
Use the Windows 7 Action Center
Set up Homegroups in a Windows 7 network
Control a touch-screen PC using Windows 7
The Windows 7 Control Panel explained
Set up a Wifi network in Windows 7
How to set up email in Windows 7
How to use Internet Explorer 8 in Windows 7 part 1
How to use Internet Explorer 8 in Windows 7 part 2