boot loader

[Petar Popara]

For testing purposes I have installed many versions of Windows OS (98,
Me, NT4, 2000, XP) on one PC (sam disk, but different partitions). The
problem is that when I install some app and finish testing it, I need to
reinstall Windows for new testing. And if I install (for example) Win98 it
seems that it destroys all newer OS's (2000, XP...). I've been thinking of
buying Norton Ghost or something similar, but just wanted to ask you pros if
there is some better or free Windows boot loader or solution or article?

 

[S.Sengupta]

You have to install windows98 first, followed by win 2k/xp.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/multiboot.mspx
labmice.techtarget.com/windowsxp/Install/dualboot.htm
regards,
ssg MS-MVP

 

[Yves Leclerc]

Norton Ghost will help you by creating an image file of the partition before
you install the software you are testing. Then, when you are done, you can
let Ghost replace the Windows back to the "default" set up you had made.

 

[Philippe L. Balmanno]

For testing purposes I have installed many versions of Windows OS (98,
Me, NT4, 2000, XP) on one PC (sam disk, but different partitions). The
problem is that when I install some app and finish testing it, I need to
reinstall Windows for new testing. And if I install (for example) Win98 it
seems that it destroys all newer OS's (2000, XP...). I've been thinking of
buying Norton Ghost or something similar, but just wanted to ask you pros if
there is some better or free Windows boot loader or solution or article?

I like Ghosting for replacing systems but why, if you test a lot,
don't you invest in a product like VMWare which will allow you to have
a Host OS and create as many VM desktops of varying OSs as you would
like for testing purposes? It will save you from continually
re-ghosting/re-restoring.

 

[S.Sengupta]

Just forgot to mention:-
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=418

regards,
ssg MS-MVP

 

[Art]

For testing purposes I have installed many versions of Windows OS (98,
Me, NT4, 2000, XP) on one PC (sam disk, but different partitions). The
problem is that when I install some app and finish testing it, I need to
reinstall Windows for new testing. And if I install (for example) Win98 it
seems that it destroys all newer OS's (2000, XP...). I've been thinking of
buying Norton Ghost or something similar, but just wanted to ask you pros
if there is some better or free Windows boot loader or solution or
article?

Petar:
In addition to the other worthwhile responses to your query that you have
rec'd., may I suggest another alternative for your consideration: equip your
computer with two removable hard drives. The flexibility you will gain from
this hardware configuration (at a relatively minimal cost) is enormous,
especially in your situation where you're experimenting with different
operating systems. Through the use of removable trays in the mobile racks
housing the hard drives, you can install separate hard drives for each
operating system. Thus, you're easily able to boot to this or that OS
without any conflicts or incompatibilities since each OS will be, in effect,
a self-contained unit. It would seem an ideal approach in your particular
situation.

This hardware configuration is designed for desktop computers (no
laptops/notebooks) having two available 5 1/4" bays to house the mobile
racks. If you need further details about this arrangement, so indicate.
Art

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

I would move to a separate os-independent boot manager, or every time you
reinstall any particular operating system you will have to redo the boot
files. BootIT NG from www.terabyteunlimited will do this for you.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Plato]

For testing purposes I have installed many versions of Windows OS (98,
Me, NT4, 2000, XP) on one PC (sam disk, but different partitions). The
problem is that when I install some app and finish testing it, I need to
reinstall Windows for new testing. And if I install (for example) Win98 it
seems that it destroys all newer OS's (2000, XP...). I've been thinking of
buying Norton Ghost or something similar, but just wanted to ask you pros if
there is some better or free Windows boot loader or solution or article?

Best to install different OS's on physically independent HDDs'