Windows – “Error loading operating system” after installing Windows XP on separate partition from Windows 7

bootwindowswindows 7

I was trying to install Windows XP on a separate partition from my Windows 7 (RC) installation, but after the first reboot of the Windows XP setup, I get "Error loading operating system" and the system halts.

Here are the exact steps I followed:

  1. Installed Windows 7 on a clean drive – Windows created a 100MB system partition, then I created a 350MB partition for the O/S, and I left 125GB unallocated.
  2. Installed Windows XP in a new partition allocated from 125GB unallocated space.
  3. After first reboot of Windows XP setup, I get "Error loading operating system".

I attempted to fix the problem using the "Startup Repair" tool on the Windows 7 installation DVD, and although it found a "master boot record corruption" and fixed it, I still get the same error after rebooting.

Best Answer

Windows 7 would have to be the last OS installed. The XP bootloader may be unable to handle Windows 7, but the other way around is likely fine. Try fixing your mbr (/fixmbr) from a Win 7 recovery console.

Related Question