Can Windows XP be used in Bootcamp

[Abdulhaq]

I have a huge Windows Desktop in which the hard disk has failed. Fortunately I have a backup of this PC. This PC was running Windows XP I am putting a second hard drive in my 2011 Mac Mini. Is it possible to use Windows XP with bootcamp.

My Windows Desktop had two hard disks and one was running Windows XP and the other was running Windows 7. I want to get rid of the huge Windows Desktop as it occupies too much space. I would like to know that apart from El Kapitan if I can also have Windows XP and Windows 7 in this small form factor Mac Mini. If this is possible then in a small and elegant machine I can have all my previous applications and data.

 

[hfg]

As I recall, Microsoft released a Windows-XP emulator for Windows 7 which you could download for free and then create a XP Virtual Machine for legacy software compatibility. That might be a easy path for upgrade depending on your XP applications.

Here is Apple compatibility for versions of Windows:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204048

 

[jpietrzak8]

Is it possible to use Windows XP with bootcamp.

Unfortunately, Windows XP is not officially supported by Apple for Minis more recent than the 2010 model (so if you're talking about the 2011 Mini, it's just a little too recent).

However, you can use a product like Parallels to run XP on a virtual machine. It won't be as fast as running the OS natively, but Parallels supports a whole lot more guest OS options than Bootcamp, and you don't have to reboot to switch between OS X and a guest OS...

 

[MysticCow]

Unfortunately, Windows XP is not officially supported by Apple for Minis more recent than the 2010 model (so if you're talking about the 2011 Mini, it's just a little too recent).

However, you can use a product like Parallels to run XP on a virtual machine. It won't be as fast as running the OS natively, but Parallels supports a whole lot more guest OS options than Bootcamp, and you don't have to reboot to switch between OS X and a guest OS...

This was what I was going to say. Strangely enough there is a 64-bit version of Windows XP, so the only major issue could be the drivers.

Since you won't know until you try, make a partition and try. You can always start up using the Option Key if it doesn't boot to return to OS X and wipe your Win XP partition.

 

[hallux]

As I recall, Microsoft released a Windows-XP emulator for Windows 7 which you could download for free and then create a XP Virtual Machine for legacy software compatibility. That might be a easy path for upgrade depending on your XP applications.

Here is Apple compatibility for versions of Windows:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204048

This required Windows 7 Pro or better if I recall, Home Premium did not qualify. More of an FYI than a correction.

 

[Abdulhaq]

This required Windows 7 Pro or better if I recall, Home Premium did not qualify. More of an FYI than a correction.

I would like to know if I can use Windows XP in one bootcamp and Windows 7 in another and of course El Kapitan as the Mac OS in the same machine.

 

[ActionableMango]

Windows XP is not supported via bootcamp on the 2011 MM. Apple never made Windows XP drivers (bootcamp drivers) for 2011 MM hardware.