Question

Is it said that if you have Vista and/or Win 7 already installed on the computer, you can't install Windows XP, or else it will affect the Vista and Win 7 installation?

So what can be a proper way? Some people say remove the hard disk first, and install XP on a brand new hard drive first.

What about using some tool (can GParted do it?) to make all partitions invisible, except only 1 primary partition visible (which is an all empty partition), and then boot up the XP disc to install it? thanks.

Answer 1

If you have Windows 7 installed you should look at Virtual PC. This will also have the effect of sandboxing your XP installation in case it gets a virus.

There are limitations, but they are detailed on the page.

Answer 2

If you just want to run programs that only work on XP, then Windows 7 has an 'XP Mode' which lets you run a program in an emulated XP environment. This is only available with Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate though.

If you want to do a full XP install on your current hard drive your best bet is, as you said, to shrink the current drive partition and create a new one in the freed space. Then install XP on this new partition. GParted is a good way to do this as its free and easy to use.

I can post more info should you decide to do one of these methods.