Windows 10: XP and Windows 10 on separate drives

As a precaution, to make sure Windows 10 was fully compatible with my desktop PC and to have easy access to all my files, I added a clean SSD and installed Win 10 on that. Somewhere during installation, I was probably asked if I wanted to install a dual-boot system (I don't remember) but that is what I ended up with.
So, when I start up, I get a screen asking if I want Windows 10 or 'An earlier version of Windows'. If I ignore the question, Win 10 starts in 30 seconds.
Explore shows both drives and all files.
The XP system is installed on a standard HDD and, as I have all my files on an externall HDD (but not a system image), I am now considering complete removal of the XP system, leaving the Windows 10 system on the SSD. However, I am not sure how to do it. I presume that simply unplugging the old HDD will cause problems but I'm not sure. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to proceed?

:)

 

Performing Dual boot on the computer (Windows 10 and windows xp).

Original title: Installing two OS (Windows 10 and windows xp)

I had one my HP All in one machine. And got license copy windows 8.1(Now upgraded to windows 10). I want to have windows XP also..and want to install the Windows XP on separate drive. So can I install it. I want to get confirm that weather there will be
no issues with windows 10 ..when I install windows XP too(In separate drive) ???

 

Win 10 Clean Install

How to I do a clean Win 10 install from a USB thumb drive on a separate computer running Win XP?

 

First send us a screenshot of the disk management screen that shows what all the partitions are on your SSD and HDD. It may just be a matter of installing and running EASYBCD in Windows 10 and moving boot files to the correct partition on the SSD and setting the SSD as the primary boot device in bios.

Changing the Boot Partition

 

Yep. Install EasyBCD in your Windows 10 and use the BCD/Backup Repair button then Change Boot Drive, Perform Action, and pick your C: drive to move the boot files to.

EasyBCD - NeoSmart Technologies

Scroll half way down, click the register button for the free version. You don't have to actually register on the screen after that, just click download.

You can also use the Edit Boot menu button to remove the entry for Windows XP from the boot menu. Oh and then change the primary boot device in bios to the drive containing Windows 10.

You were very wise to think about the boot files - most people don't.

 

I don't know why but the first image did not show the D: drive (where the XP system is installed). It probably doesn't make any difference but here is the rerun:

 

Still good, but since the new boot drive is Disk 1 rather than Disk 0 it is even more critical to set it as the priority boot device in bios.

 

OK. Many thanks for your advice. I have already downloaded EasyBCD but meanwhile had some problems requiring a System Restore and that somehow managed to delete all my bookmarks and passwords. The Firefox library is empty so I have a lot of work to do first.

 

Well, I'm still a bit confused. This is what I get:





Do I need to make any changes?

 

It looks like you still need to move the boot files to the Windows 10 drive:
use the BCD/Backup Repair button then Change Boot Drive, Perform Action, and pick your C: drive to move the boot files to.

 

This is the result:




The boot routine remains as before. Does this mean I can now disconnect drive D:/ without risk?

 

Yes, boot device changed to C: and Windows 10 is C: so that is good to go now and you can disconnect/remove D: drive. You can click the edit boot menu button and highlight the last entry for Earlier Version of Windows and delete it as well.

 

OK. That's great. So simple!