RESOLUTION
Note that it is important to know what operating systems are already installed in the computer and in which partition each is installed. To find this information, view the hidden
Boot.ini file on the System partition (the first partition).
To resolve the behavior, use the following information.
Running Winnt.exe
As with earlier Windows NT-based operating systems, if you install the new operating system after booting the computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM, you can perform a clean installation or you can upgrade the (existing) detected operating system if the existing operating system satisfies the upgrade path to the version of Windows that is on the CD-ROM.
Keep in mind that Windows XP does not support dual-booting if both operating systems are on the same partition. Install Windows XP on a separate partition.
Running Winnt32.exe
If you install the new operating system while the computer is running in an existing operating system, a drop-down menu offers two
Installation Type options:
Upgrade (Recommended) (which is shown by default) and
New Installation (Advanced).
When either option appears in the menu, the following associated text is visible:
- Upgrade: Choose this option to automatically upgrade your current version of Windows.
- New Installation: Choose this option to replace the current version of Windows or to install Windows XP on a separate disk or partition.
Because Windows XP does not support dual-booting if the operating systems are installed on the same partition, specify the
New Installation option to configure a dual-booted system.