windows and mac

I have an imac pc with windows xp as a multiboot option

scenario

I install vista as another boot option, after then xp refuse to boot.
it says [WINDOW ROOT]/HAL.DLL files are missen. the vista became corrupted and i had to delete all window partitions with an xp bootable. still after copying system files, HAL.DLL still missen but the system still takes VISTA installation. I finally was able to install xp after vista installation but all other partITions including the mac partion was deleted.

now only xp runs on the imac apple system. any foreseable problem , how about the issue of the HAL.DLL FILE [/url]

Did you create a partition for Win XP and Win Vista?, it's important to create a new partition every time your going to install a new OS in any platform to avoid corrupting the existing OS files.

Rules of Multibooting

1. Always install the older OS first , i.e XP pro then Vista

2. make sure you have a different Computer name for each OS

3. Make sure you install each OS on a separate Partition.


Hope this helps.

Like already said make sure ur installing each os on different partions with the appropiate file system. example vista only runs on NTFS and xp can run on both NTFS and NAT file system ( NAT being slower).

You can also try installing this llitle program call EasyBCD.

This might help you

www.setup32.com/resource-guides/windows-...d-xp-with-vista-.php

hope this helps. later