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Thread ID: 52892 2005-01-02 06:16:00 Installing 98/ME onto system running XP (dual-boot) Mike (15) Press F1
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309749 2005-01-02 06:16:00 I have a system running XP, and I want to put either 98se or ME onto a spare partition without having to reinstall XP. I also want both 98 and XP to see their own default drives as C: (they do not need to see each other).

I know this can be done (have done it before) by somehow setting each partition to active or inactive and booting/installing OS onto active drive. However I cannot remember what program(s) I used to do it.

Any suggestions on how I can do this, or what programs would help me in doing this? Am I looking for a partitioning tool or a bootloader to help me with the initial setup/install?

Mike.
Mike (15)
309750 2005-01-02 06:30:00 I think u still have to install XP last, if u want to dual boot. Whether it's just 2 or 3 operating systems. Speedy Gonzales (78)
309751 2005-01-02 06:56:00 I think u still have to install XP last, if u want to dual boot. Whether it's just 2 or 3 operating systems.
I've definitely done it before, just can't remember what programs I used to do it.

Mike.
Mike (15)
309752 2005-01-02 07:30:00 You only have to install XP first if you want to use the inbuilt XP boot manager, else install a third party boot manager. This hide/unhide the active partitions to boot from.
Partition Magic has always had such a boot manager, it used to use an IBM program, and now it is Boot Magic ( I think, I only have PM version 4)

There are lots of Boot Managers available, some free, some trialware, some shareware.

Just put Boot Manager into Google and you will find heaps Mike.

Here is one:
http://www.boot-us.com/
Terry Porritt (14)
309753 2005-01-02 08:03:00 >>You only have to install XP first...

Err..that should be LAST :blush:
Terry Porritt (14)
309754 2005-01-02 08:54:00 "I have a system running XP, and I want to put either 98se or ME onto a spare partition without having to reinstall XP. I also want both 98 and XP to see their own default drives as C: (they do not need to see each other)."

Fine - is possible


"I know this can be done (have done it before) by somehow setting each partition to active or inactive and booting/installing OS onto active drive. However I cannot remember what program(s) I used to do it."

True - but not possible using any MS partitioning software


"Any suggestions on how I can do this, or what programs would help me in doing this? Am I looking for a partitioning tool or a bootloader to help me with the initial setup/install?"

Best solution is to use 'on-the-fly' partitioning software such as Partition Magic to create another primary partition at the front of the drive. Either format as FAT32 or leave unformatted. Hide the new primary partition.
Restart to check the existing OS is still bootable.
Either use Partition Magic to hide the partition with the existing OS, unhide the new primary partition and set the new primary partition as active or use efdisk (search using google). Restart.
Install the new OS.
To access either operating install a bootloader or use a bootable floppy with efdisk.




No matter what happens, there is always someone who knew it would
- Anonymous
merlin (256)
309755 2005-01-02 09:15:00 A good bootloader to use in this situation is XOSL (see www.ranish.com). I have not used this for a couple of years but it was (and presumably still is) a great boot loader. You can set passwords, hide partitions, .... johnd (85)
309756 2005-01-02 11:36:00 As with all major alterations, backup critical data first and procede at your own risk. merlin (256)
309757 2005-01-03 03:44:00 why would you wanna install 98/ME, xp is fine Prescott (11)
309758 2005-01-03 03:50:00 why would you wanna install 98/ME, xp is fine
Well why not? :D

I have a game or 3 that don't run under XP, so I plan to run them on 98/ME.

Mike.
Mike (15)
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