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Dual boot XP/Vista MAJOR PROBLEM

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My laptop came with Vista preinstalled. I have no Vista CD, except for a recovery CD.

I wanted to install a dual-boot to use Windows XP as well.

My partitions were C: with Vista installed on it, D: with random data on it and E: being my CD/DVD reader. I created a new partition labelled F: using the integrated partition manager within Vista.

I then booted my computer with a Windows XP installation CD. I ran the installation normally (select a partition, then the installation program formats F - or so I thought). At that point, the installation program is supposed to reboot the computer and continue installation.

That's where it get complicated

No Vista boot, no XP installation program.

And my CD reader does not seem to work anymore. I cant boot from a CD...

I believe there was a messup with the partition labels...

What should I do !?!?!?

I include a drawing I made of what my screen looks like when I turn the CPU on. This is the first and only screen I get. Nothing happens when I press F keys or delete key

Thursday, May 3, 2007 5:12 AM

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cant anyone help me with this problem !!

you help would be very appreciated...time is a factor here !!

Thanks in advance !!

Thursday, May 3, 2007 3:37 PM
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My laptop is a ASUS G1-AK024C model

Thanks for your help !

Thursday, May 3, 2007 6:21 PM
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I actually found a way to enter BIOS:

Now I have this

AMIBIOS (copyright) American Megatrends, INC.
BIOS Date: 01/12/07 Ver: G1AS.208
CPU: Intel (R) Core (TM) 2 CPU T7200 @ 2.00 GHz

Press F2 to run setup
Press ESC to for BBS POPUP
The MCH is operating with DDR2 667/CL5 in Dual-Channel Interleaved Mode
Initializing USB Controllers.. Done.
2048 MB OK

Auto-Detecting Pri Maser..IDE Hard Disk
Auto-Detecting Sec Master..ATAPI CDROM
Pri Master: Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 SB40C70P
Ultra DMA Mode-5, S.M.A.R.T Capable and Status OK

I have pressed F2, yet nothing happens.

Any help !?!
Thanks very much !!

Thursday, May 3, 2007 7:00 PM
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Do you have an 2000, XP, or 2003CD?

Are you certain the system BIOS is set to boot from CD? Simply installing an o/s should not cause the reader to fail completely. Check with ASUS or the reseller to replace it. They should also be able to provide a Vista Install DVD.

In addition to F2, try Delete -and/or- Ctrl+Alt+Esc

Unfortunately we can't add XP *after* Vista without reformatting, except with a DVD.

933179 Windows Vista no longer starts after you install an earlier version
of the Windows operating system in a dual-boot configuration
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;933179

This might work if you have a 2000, XP, or 2003 CD:
927820 A Windows XP-based computer does not start after you
unsuccessfully try to upgrade to Windows Vista
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;927820

Thursday, May 3, 2007 10:18 PM
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Today I tried to setup WinXP on my store bought HP with Vista already installed. I followed the directions from Microsoft and got the same result, WinXP and no Vista. I had to use recovery disks to get back to Vista....The one important detail that Microsoft's instructions failed to mention is that before you shrink the volume and reformat the partition is to SET THE CURRENT DRIVE TO 'ACTIVE PARTITION'! Only after I was cruising along in XP did I find that out. Thankfully, I backed up all files before I tried it. I know now - get a new hard drive, it's worth the money and time!!!!

P.S. Microsoft - you might want to add that important note about the active partition.

Thursday, January 24, 2008 5:25 AM