dual boot 1

[bn2hunt]

Can I set up a computer to dual boot win 2k pro and Win xp pro with only one partition? I have a testing pc that has win 2k on it already and would like to install windows xp on it as a dual boot. I want data files to be available to both OS's. The HD is NTFS.

Thanks

DDW

 

[the1bigboy]

im just guessing here soif im wrong kill me

I would:
Formatt the system
Install 2000
Download a multi-boot program save the installer put it in a new folder (CCXP as an excample)
Install XP to another folder (put win2000 in C:\windows and xp on C:\WINNT)
on xp insatt the multiboot program

Just a guss so again if it kills the system kill me

 

[manarth]

AFAIK, 2 versions of windows CANNOT share the same partition. If you don't want to reformat, use a repartitioning tool like partition magic to give you 2 partitions.

Although they reside on different partitions, the data will still be accessible to both (unless you use data encryption, which will complicate matters!)

<marc> i wonder what will happen if i press this...[ul][li]please give feedback on what works / what doesn't[/li][li]need some help? how to get a better answer: faq581-3339[/li][/ul]

 

[bn2hunt]

I thought I would have to format and repartition but thought I would check before going through with that step. Thanks for the info

Ddw

 

[manarth]

Hi ddnwolff, thanks for the feedback - and the star

I've used partition magic to good effect - although you do occasionally have to defrag before you're able to repartition the drive.

<marc> i wonder what will happen if i press this...[ul][li]please give feedback on what works / what doesn't[/li][li]need some help? how to get a better answer: faq581-3339[/li][/ul]

 

[Moonrsr]

A good place to start:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/gettingstarted/multiboot.asp

 

[AP81]

Like manarth said, defrag your system to tidy it up. It will also ensure any data clusters sitting at the end of the drive are not lost when you resize the partition. With Partition Magic you can then resize your current partition and make a new one.

The install Windows XP.