Windows XP and Windows 98 on the same HD

[ChrisWJackson]

I have a Dell Latitude that has a 20GB HD. I formatted and partition the HD to Fat32. C: = 5GB and D: =15GB. I was going to put Windows 98SE on the C Drive since the Dell restore cd does not get an option of was partitions to install to. I was going to install either XP Home or PRO to the D partition. I would like the computer to ask me which OS to startup with when booted up. I program two radios with windows 98 and sometimes restart in DOS for older programs that just do not seem to program the radios when DOS is running over Windows. I will use Windows XP for personal use and newer software. I have both systems installed but the computer is booting to the Win98 OS. Thanks for any help.

 

[linney]

What operating system is currently installed on your Partitions? It is not too clear from your post.

98 should be installed first, probably into the smaller partition and then XP into the larger partition. Driver letters are a mystery (always have been to me). 98 will probably say it is in C: when seen from 98, and XP will probably say it is also on C: when seen from XP. When looking from 98 to XP, XP will probably appear to 98 as D:, and when seen from XP, 98 will probably appear as D:. Like I said drive lettering is a mystery to me.

If you have to install XP first because of the Recovery Disks shenanigans this link might help.

How do I install Windows® 98/Me after I've installed XP?

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

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

HOW TO: Create a Multiple-Boot System in Windows XP (Q306559)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q306/5/59.asp

HOW TO: Create a Boot Disk for an NTFS or FAT Partition in Windows XP(Q305595)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q305/5/95.asp

How to Use System Files to Create a Boot Disk to Guard Against Being Unable to Start Windows XP (Q314079)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q314/0/79.asp

Another alternative if you want to skip Dual Booting altogether is the use of a Virtual Machine run from XP.
98 goes well from Virtual PC 2007, and it is a free download from Microsoft.

Virtual PC 2007

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...3199-48a3-afa2-2dc0b40a73b6&displaylang=en&tm

 

[edfair]

Partition Magic's boot manager will control it if you want to go that way. And there are some others that probably will do the job, I'm just not familiar with them.

 

[vacunita]

You should have installed Win98 first into the 5GB partition C:, and then XP onto the 15GB D: When XP installs it should create the bootloader that will ask you what OS to boot.

However it is unclear by your post what exactly is installed or in what order.

As for Drive letters. The only way both OSes will think they are in C: is if they have each been installed in separate drives at separate times. I know this because I have a 3 way boot 98 XP and 2003 Server, and each has its own letter. Win98 C: WinXP D: and Win2003 E: they don't just arbitrarily think they are on C:.

Installing them on a partition of the same disc will make each be on their own letter. The only difference will be that if XP's partition is formatted NTFS, then Win98 wont be able to see it.

But XP should see both partitions regardless of their format.







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