Adding XP to existing Laptop with Win7 and using dual boot

[#1]

I remember that a while ago  there was a very good thread about this.
A number of different methods were discussed to achieve this.
Many solutions were given but there was finally an easiest way proposed by the techies.
What is the take by you techies as a summary of best way to go?
All answers on a postcard to..........
My reason for wanting to do this is simple. I have a new laptop with Win7 only and an old desktop with dual XP and Win7 .
This I remember was essential since it is not easy to install XP  on top of  an already existing Win7 O/S.
At the moment when  using the laptop (Win7 only) I  have to go to the desktop when wanting  to use a previous legacy XP programme which is not compatible with Win7 .
cheers and thanks for any help.
jim:green Title changed mod:end

[#2]

Easiest is not the one you want to hear, format it and install XP then install win7 when running the install from within XP, not direct from the DVD at bootup
edit: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html
covers both methods in detail

[#3]

Thanks Gus for your prompt suggestions.
However, my laptop does not have an original Disk for a possible re-installation of the Win7 because it is a factory installation (Acer).
which also deters me from using the selection of the 'Seven Forum' solution...(because it says that you MAY need the installation disk at some point!)
cheers

[#4]

You DO NOT want dual boot - you want to install XP in a Windows Virtual PC. That gives you a real XP machine running in a W7 window and allows you to run your old applications at the same time as using your W7 applications.
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/windows/virtual-pc/default.aspx

[#5]

EDIT Do you seriously expect that the installed version of W7 will support that given that the lowest version supporting it is Professional  - The original title stated Ult now doesn't
Going back to the original question - I would suggest using the built in W7 backup feature to save your new operating system unless of course you have better backup software such as Acronis

[#6]

Quote from: Oldjim

Do you seriously expect that the installed version of W7 will support that given that the lowest version supporting it is Professional

VirtualBox is free for home use.
It supports W7 as a host OS & XP guest OS.

[#7]

I'm guessing that the 'ult' in the thread title is short for Ultimate, which means XP Mode should be available to you.

[#8]

Quote from: avatastic

I'm guessing that the 'ult' in the thread title is short for Ultimate, which means XP Mode should be available to you.

Well spotted!
I apologise for typing a wrong heading...
My Laptop is Windows7 Home Premium 64-bit........ My Desktop is Win7 Ultimate.
Apologies to all other contributors to this thread
My only salvation is that in my original explanation of the problem I did give the correct configuration of my setup.cheers
To Admin:  Is it possible to change the heading please?

[#9]

Changed but you could do it yourself by selecting Edit on the first post (not quick edit)

[#10]

Thanks Oldjim
In spite of your advancing years you do come in handy 

[#11]

I'd based my suggestion on the Ult in the topic title!
I don't know anything about VirtualBox, but if it is similar to the M$ offering it would be the way to go. It means no reboots to jump in and out of the XP machine.

[#12]

I use VirtualBox on my desktop.
My main/host OS is Linux and with Virtualbox I can have several guest OS's including Windows XP.
VirtualBox works very well - I still find it impressive that I can simultaneously run Linux & XP   Maybe I am easily pleased?
The VirtualBox website has comprehensive installation instructions. An oddity is that USB only works in the guest OS when the VirtualBox extension pack is downloaded and installed.
In my opinion, the OP has nothing to loose by giving VirtualBox a go.
Richard

[#13]

You could also consider using VMware Player to run Windows XP on your laptop. 
I have a small notebook that has Windows 7 Home Premium installed on it and I too have no installation disks.  I have installed VMware Player and use it to run Windows XP and Linux virtual machines within Windows 7.
VMware Player is free and can be obtained from http://downloads.vmware.com/d/info/desktop_end_user_computing/vmware_player/4_0.

[#14]

Thanks RichardB and pnf
I will try your suggestions later today and get back.
cheers

[#15]

I downloaded VMware yesterday and I am  quite pleased with its performance.
Of course there are initial small problems.
When I call up the XP virtual onto my laptop (Acer Inspire 5742Z) it always comes up in reduced size and therefore not too easy to read.
I have checked with VMware faq's and It mentions that some laptops need a change of the bios to allow acceptance of VMWare and suggests going into the bios.
Unfortunately, It is not possible to get into the bios.
Does anyone else have this problem?
Even if  I eventually get into the bios, there is a posibility that this particular Acer does not fuilly accept the VMWare, then I am stuck with it.!
I think I can live with this problem but would prefer to see it better on the small screen.
I might have a look at the other suggestion and have a look at VirtualBox.
cheers