Can it be done - XP Pro(C Drive) and 2nd OS(E Drive)?

[lewi]

I have a system with one HD and I want to have XP show the dual boot screen
to pick to run XP Pro off the C drive or to run a OS(DOS for now but my
custom OS I am building when DOS works right) off the E Drive(D drive
contains all my personal file to use in XP)...

I have read docs on net and all I found for boot.ini entries that don't use
arc names is an entry like

E:\="My OS entry"

but the entry is shown at boot but the system just keeps rebooting till XP
entry is selected...

So can this setup be done...

Any help...

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You can dual-boot Windows XP with MS-DOS, but you must
install MS-DOS on the C: drive or partition first, then install
Windows XP on a different drive or partition. Windows XP
will automatically create a dual-boot loader for O/S selection.

HOW TO: Create a Multiple-Boot System in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306559&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


|I have a system with one HD and I want to have XP show the dual boot screen
| to pick to run XP Pro off the C drive or to run a OS(DOS for now but my
| custom OS I am building when DOS works right) off the E Drive(D drive
| contains all my personal file to use in XP)...
|
| I have read docs on net and all I found for boot.ini entries that don't use
| arc names is an entry like
|
| E:\="My OS entry"
|
| but the entry is shown at boot but the system just keeps rebooting till XP
| entry is selected...
|
| So can this setup be done...
|
| Any help...

 

[BobDelaney]

While this *is* possible using the 'native' tools in Windows (any
version), I suggest using a tool like Partition Magic or Bootit NG to manage
the partitioning. Such as it is, the partitioning tools in Windows are crude
and blunt instruments, and when you change partition configurations, they
delete the old partitions. With either Partition Magic or Bootit NG, you can
manage partitions without losing the information on the partition, and you
can re-size and delete partitions later. I'd suggest this route in your
case.
Check out the Powerquest web site at www.powerquest.com for Partition
Magic info. This application is an absolute must (in my opinion) for anyone
who wants to manage multiple bootable partitions on a computer, and will
make your life much easier in this task. Be very sure, however, to read --
and re-read -- the very fine manual that comes with Partition Magic. This
software is not for the novice, and there is no safety net beneath you.

 

[lewi]

Thanks to both of you Carey and Bob...

I will check it out...