Dual Boot with W98

[ormsk]

I have XP home on my computer and would like to set up a facility to boot into W98 when required, but have no idea where to start. Obviously, I don't want to lose any existing data.

I will use W98 very infrequently, and, if i can dual boot, I would ideally like a time-out pause of a few seconds during boot-up so that if there is no user intervention, it defaults to XP, otherwise a specific key combination for the user to trigger booting into 98 during the pause.

Can this be achieved?

Thanks

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There is more than one way to skin a cat...but who wants a skinned cat?

 

[linney]

How To Create a Multiple-Boot System in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306559&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

You might need these.

Repair XP After 98/Me Install

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_9x.htm

http://www.petri.co.il/install_windows_98_after_windows_xp.htm

Dual boot to 98 after installing XP first
thread779-284874


The time for dual booting choice is set at 30 seconds by default in the Boot.ini file. This can be set by editing the Boot.ini file to any amount of time. The time applies to when the Default loading operating system boots. The default operating system can be selected by this way too.

HOW TO: Edit the Boot.ini File in Windows XP (Q289022)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q289/0/22.asp

You can also set these via System Properties/ Advanced/ Startup and Recovery/ Settings/ System Startup.

 

[wolluf]

I'd look at vmware or microsoft's virtual PC (not free, but a lot more convenient for occasional win98 use - depending on why you actually need a win98 installation - like the only reason I have is to play a pinball game that just doesn't work on 2k/XP!).

If you want to go with dual boot, for minimal impact, I'd suggest installing a second hard drive, installing 98 there (with XP drive disconnected) then using a boot manager to create the dual boot (eg,

http://www.boot-us.com

- free for personal use, but you'd need to pay for it using 2 drives I think. There are other free ones available - Google). This will be smallest impact on your existing XP installation (XP/98 independent, so if 98 fails, shouldn't upset XP).

Having to create space for second partition, then creating shared boot sector is a bit of a pain, and leaves the installations linked, so problems with one can upset the other.