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Temporary returing to XP and then want to go back to Windows 7 using Acronis 2010

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Hi there

Have I got this thinking right?

I have installed Windows 7 on my PC and created an image file using TI 2010 (recovery works great)

Now I want to install XP for a few months to use some legacy hardware I need -

Am I right in thinking as long as I don't delete that special extra 100MB partition Windows 7 created and only install XP on the main 100GB partition I made for W7 - that I will be able to return to my Windows 7 image file once I have finished using XP?

I know Windows 7 uses this extra partition and therefore I have left it intact on my hard drive.
I presume it won't interfere with my XP installation?

Do I need to include the MBR when I return to the Windows 7 image file?

Thanks for any light you can shed on this slightly odd scenario.

Thanks
Robert

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Robert,

First, your backup needs to be a full disk backup: all partitions of your Win 7 installation.

Yes, you can install XP without changing your partitions. The XP installer should be able to set it up correctly. At any rate, don't worry about preserving the partitions at this point.

Yes, when you restore your Win 7, restore the entire disk, including MBR and track 0

Double check that the rescue CD will boot your system, see your drives and allow your keyboard and mouse to work before playing with your drive.

Make sure you validate your W7 image via the rescue CD.

Well I hope it all works

I have checked I can navigate around using the rescue CD and this works no problem - both the W7 and XP image files
verify as OK.

I have installed XP 32 on the 100GB partition that Windows 7 was on - I have left the 100mb partition intact that Windows 7 needs.

The slightly worrying thing is in XP the extra 100mb Windows 7 partition is actually showing up in XP as the system drive (primary active)
and the 100GB drive XP is on is called (primary boot)

XP shuts down and restarts perfecty - so it's not getting confused by this 100mb active partition.

I have backed up XP with Acronis TI 11

I wonder if I can freely recall between Windows 7 and XP using Acronis and my two OS image files ..... I'm too nervous to test out if it works.
I will wait till I need to return to Windows 7 and just hope I can get it back into the right place so to speak!

thanks
Robert

Why don't you just use XP mode in Win7? It would be a whole lot easier than swapping back and forth. Another idea is if the hardware you need to use has Vista drivers use those for Win7 - most work.