If you want to have a dual boot system with Windows XP and Windows Vista, then you must first install Windows XP and then Windows Vista.
Windows Vista uses a newly designed boot loader and if you install Windows XP after Windows Vista, then it'll overwrite Windows Vista boot loader and you'll not be able to boot into Vista.
If you have installed XP after Vista and you are not able to boot into Vista, then follow these simple instructions and you'll get the Vista boot loader back:
1. Download "VistaBootPRO" or "EasyBCD". Both are excellent software which can reinstall Vista boot loader within a few seconds.
2. We selected "VistaBootPro" for this tutorial. Install it and run the software.
3. Now click on "Bootloader" button as shown in following screenshot:

4. Select "Reinstall the Vista Bootloader" option and click on "Configure It" button.
5. Thats it. It'll install the Vista Boot loader. You can also edit other settings like boot loader timeout, default boot entry, boot entry labels, etc.
You can also repair Vista boot loader using Vista Setup DVD but the above mentioned method is the easiest method and works even you don't have the CD/DVD.
This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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MAGNUMHEART
hi vishal. i have first installed xp on my system and now i have dual boot for windows 7
if i wud to install linux for my 3rd-boot. will linux override the boot loader of my windows 7?
cud i use this utility for windows 7, xp and linux. ^^
VG
^^ Linux will install its own boot loader which will allow you to either boot into Linux or boot into Windows. Once you select Windows, it'll show you Windows 7 boot loader.
MAGNUMHEART
thx for the tip. can i install linux on a logical drive.
il just cut my data partition into two. or i shud install on a primary partition. ^^
VG
^^ Linux needs unpartitioned space for installation. It'll automatically create the required partitions in that unpartitioned space.
VG
^^ Yeah. Thats an old version which was free.
ARUN
@VG
tnx 4 this site its very helpful 4 me. :)
I have same problem but in windows-7. i want install
C:=> Windows-7
D :=> windows Xp
but problem it that which winnows is install in last time is and earlier install windows is not working. :(
sumit
Vista boot pro says that it has detected that yor BCD registry is missing or corrupt..What to do now??
doual win 7 failed !!
I was installed 2 win7 X64 on my laptop there for I saw two entrance in boot menu.
1 - Windows 7
2 - Windows 7
I want to rename on of them; there for installed "vista boot pro"
as soon as reset my system, it newer work ....
what can I do?
please help me.....
there is a lots of important files on both windows....