Please read this next link as an example of what it takes to properly install XP.
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7587_102-2699006.html
Did you ask the machine's maker for these instructions? It may be time to have that discussion.
Bob
I recently found a lot of old games that I can't play in Windows 7 and are a bit (or very) buggy. To address this, I used my XP retail disc to dual boot from a different hard drive. It is completely discrete from Windows 7 --i.e. it is not in Windows 7's boot loader and I use bios boot options to run it.
The dual boot works great, except that when I'm in Windows XP and try to restart, say, after an update, it shuts down instead. This doesn't happen in Windows 7. What would cause this and why would it happen? The XP installation has all the compatible drivers installed and shows no issues otherwise. Even all my games work flawlessly (knock on wood).

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic