multibooting XP and 98

[FilterXG]

This is what I want to do.

1st Primary is Windows 98 (FAT32)
2nd Primary is Windows XP (NTFS)
3rd Primary is Linux (ext2)
Logicals for boot-loaders, swap drives, and files.

To make a long story shorter I can't get it too work. I
can't even get XP and 98 to work. I have tried various
ways of making the partitions including FDisk, Ranish
Boot Manager, and PartitionMagic. I have tried installing
XP in a FAT32 drive, no luck. XP refuses to install while
WIN98 is hidden.

The procedure I thought was correct is to set up the
partitions. In my case a 20GB for WIN98 and a 40GB for
WINXP. Next I hide the WINXP, make the WIN98 bootable and
install WIN98. Then I hide the WIN98 Partition, make XP
active and bootable then install WINXP. However after the
CD, sets up the Hard Drive for booting the NTLDR is
missing. I have tried the various fixes online including
FIXBOOT, copy SYS, and manually replacing ntldr and
ntdetect.com into the drive. None work.

I can get XP to work under two conditions. The first is
by installing it first before 98. This presents two
problems. First, WIN98 has to be in the first 8GB. So I
move the XP back after its installation. Windows 98 then
installs fine. Windows XP though gives me every problem
in the book, starting with the HAL file missing, and
ending with the same unfixable ntldr problem. The other
way is to run the XP install from Windows 98. But then I
get two other problems. First is that it installs XP in a
logical not primary drive. Second is that I can't use my
3rd party (XOSL, or Ranish) to hide the WIN98 drive
because that is where the boot record is.

Is it possible to do what I am trying to. What am I doing
wrong?

 

[Gashach]

Why are you trying to hide the other partitions. Just install win98 to the
20GB drive, then install XP to the 40 GB drive. The hiding is giving you
all the problems. If you then want linux i suggest linux installed last
because it will let you boot to the other 2 os's easiest.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Download BootIt Next Generation from www.bootitng.com It works very well,
and allows the hiding of partitions, exactly as you desire.

 

[BruceM]

Before you get too carried away....... I had similar trouble & turned out to
be where I had the pins set on the drive. Just thought I'd mention
this.........
BruceM

 

[Bob Hendrix]

I have used Partition Magic and it works well. I actully
have 98, MS, & XP right now. BUT, don't know about adding
programs. If I use AOL for internet connection, do I load
it in all OS, or just one. Same problem with any program I
want to use on two or more OS. HElp.
Bob

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

In a multiboot environment, you need to install most applications within
each operating system. Some simpler programs don't require this, but AOL,
Office and most others with an installer will require it.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Additional note: You may be able to install to the same destination folder,
if each OS can see the other hard drive/partition, but this may not work
with all programs, since they may use versions of files that are specific to
the OS they're installed under.

 

[Bob Hendrix]

Thanks, Doug. I guess it is a "try and see" situation, Huh?
Or is there a way to tell in advance which ones I can just
add a new shortcut in the second OS?
Bob

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Bob,

Its hard to say. As a general rule, I'd say anything that has an actual
Setup or Install program, should be reinstalled, just to make sure any 3rd
party DLL's and the like are registered correctly.

 

[Bob Hendrix]

Thanks Doug, I am off and running. Bob

-----Original Message-----
Bob,

Its hard to say. As a general rule, I'd say anything that has an actual
Setup or Install program, should be reinstalled, just to make sure any 3rd
party DLL's and the like are registered correctly.






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