Method 4: Install Windows XP to a new folder (parallel installation)

       This method describes how to install Windows XP to a new folder (parallel installation) to either run two operating systems, or to access, repair, or retrieve data from a damaged disk.

Before you start, start your computer by using one of the following media:

  • Microsoft Windows 98/Windows Millennium Edition startup disk
  • Windows XP CD or Windows XP boot disks
Note The Windows XP CD is the preferred media in the following steps. However, the Windows XP boot disks will work if you do not have the CD.

To install Windows XP to a new folder (also known as a parallel installation), follow these steps:

  1. Start your computer from the Windows XP CD (or boot disks). To do this, insert the Windows XP CD into your CD or DVD drive, and then restart your computer.
  2. When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message appears on the screen, press any key to start the computer from the Windows XP CD.
  3. At the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to begin Windows XP Setup.
  4. Read the Microsoft Software License Terms, and then press F8.
  5. Select the partition in which you want to install Windows XP, and then press ENTER.
  6. Select the Leave the current file system intact (no changes) option, and then press ENTER to continue.
  7. Press ESC to install to a different folder.                                                                                           If the Setup program detects another operating system folder, it prompts you to type the name for the new folder after the backslash (\), for example, \WINXP. If there are no other operating systems detected, the Setup program automatically names the folder \Windows.
  8. Press ENTER to continue.
  9. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Windows XP Setup.
If you have successfully installed Windows XP, you are finished.
If these steps did not help you install Windows XP to a new folder, go to the "Next Steps" section.