Yet another dual boot question

[Gary C]

I currently have a Windows 98SE system and would like to upgrade to
Windows XP. My goal is to first create a dual boot system, so that I
can still use my old Windows 98 installation, while I build and test
the Windows XP system.

I currently have Windows 98SE running on a 20 GB hard disk, with an
additional 100 GB hard disk used for data purposes alone right now.
In the near future, I plan to replace the 20GB drive with another 100+
GB drive.

Finally, when I am comfortable with my Windows XP setup, I want to
completely remove Windows 98, and just end up with my current Windows
XP system on a single C: partition on one of the drives (perhaps the
future 100+ GB drive I will buy).

What is the best way to go about this? Also, please let me know if I
will run into drive letter issues...what I mean is that I eventually
want to end up with XP on my C: drive for bootup (and delete 98, as
mentioned above). I am wondering that if in creating the dual boot
system, will XP be installed on a drive letter other than C:, and if
so, will that create problems when I eventually delete 98 and move XP
to a C: drive.

Note: I do have Norton Ghost that I will utilize to clone between
disks and partitions as needed.

Thanks.

Gary

 

[Rob Elder, MVP]

You can dual boot this operating systems without any problems. You problems
will start when you try to start changing partitions around when you want to
get rid of 98.

To make the dual boot happen, you'll need to use third party software to
split the existing partition on the current drive. It is not recommended to
install XP into the same partition as another OS. Install XP while booting
to 98 making sure that you choose full installation AND on the advanced
button a few screens in, choosing 'I want to choose the installation
partition.'

XP will install. What happens is that the master boot record is modified on
the existing drive. Both operating systems will share common startup files.
That's will the problem will occur. You won't be able to merge the two
partitions into one when delete 98. Not can you simply image the D:
partition to the new drive. It won't boot.

Recommend that once your satisfied with XP, simply keep the drive intact,
deleted the old 98 systemroot and program files,and use the C: partition for
data.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

The only way to get Windows XP installed on drive C: is to
install it on drive C:, otherwise it will continue to reside on
drive D:. If you wish to dual-boot Windows 98 and Windows XP,
you must install Windows XP on an empty drive or partition.
If later on you wish to remove Windows 98, you'll have to
delete all partitions and reinstall Windows XP in order for it
to reside on drive C:.

HOW TO: Create a Multiple-Boot System in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306559&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I currently have a Windows 98SE system and would like to upgrade to
| Windows XP. My goal is to first create a dual boot system, so that I
| can still use my old Windows 98 installation, while I build and test
| the Windows XP system.
|
| I currently have Windows 98SE running on a 20 GB hard disk, with an
| additional 100 GB hard disk used for data purposes alone right now.
| In the near future, I plan to replace the 20GB drive with another 100+
| GB drive.
|
| Finally, when I am comfortable with my Windows XP setup, I want to
| completely remove Windows 98, and just end up with my current Windows
| XP system on a single C: partition on one of the drives (perhaps the
| future 100+ GB drive I will buy).
|
| What is the best way to go about this? Also, please let me know if I
| will run into drive letter issues...what I mean is that I eventually
| want to end up with XP on my C: drive for bootup (and delete 98, as
| mentioned above). I am wondering that if in creating the dual boot
| system, will XP be installed on a drive letter other than C:, and if
| so, will that create problems when I eventually delete 98 and move XP
| to a C: drive.
|
| Note: I do have Norton Ghost that I will utilize to clone between
| disks and partitions as needed.
|
| Thanks.
|
| Gary

 

[Richard Urban]

As Rob Elder has said, you need 3rd party software. Use partition Magic
(latest version) and a good boot manager (I use System Commander). Carefully
read the manual for Partition Magic. It will teach you about partitions and
what to expect under various scenarios.

--
Regards:

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard