How to Downgrade Compaq CQ60-215DX from Vista to Windows XP –Dual Boot Vista and XP

Today, a friend asked me if I could help his workmate to install Windows XP on Compaq CS60-215DX while keeping the existing Windows Vista, which means having a dual operating system.

I first went to HP website to search for the corresponding drivers for the model but found out they don't host the drivers for XP. I then did a search on google and found some links for the downloads. After I saved all the drivers on my USB drivers, I also downloaded this program called EasyBCD that is needed later when I configure the dual bootloader.

The next step was to make partition for the XP installation. Since Vista already has the function to partition hard disk, all you need to do is:

• right click the 'My Computer' icon
• and choose ‘Manage'
• then pick a hard disk
• and choose 'Shrink Partition"
• set the size for the new partition
• choose simple NTFS file system
• assign a letter for the drive and format it

Now, I have a new partition ready for XP installation. Then I put the XP CD and started the  installation process. Everything was smoothly installed and loaded into XP interface now. I then started to install the XP drivers for the video, audio, NIC and the rest.

Next, I installed EasyBCD which I downloaded earlier. EasyBCD has a simple and intuitive interface, you will need to add another entry for Windows XP to show up.

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