How to install an OEM copy of XP Pro onto a 2nd partition?

[witchseason]

Hi

I have an ASUS laptop that came with a pair 'system restore' CDs
instead of an XP setup CD. When I run setup from this CD I get the
option to restore to the 1st partition and keep my other partitions or
to restore to the 1st partition and delete all other partitions. I
have created a second primary partition & I'd like to install to this
(so I can dual boot) but it won't let me.

I've tried imaging the first partition and copying the image to the
second partition but that doesn't work, if I set the 2nd partition to
active and hide the 1st partition I get into all kinds of trouble.
There must be something in the MBR or somewhere that tells the PC
which is the boot partition, and that can't be copied to another
partition.

Does anyone know how I can do this? Alternatively, if I can get hold
of a legit XP setup disk, could I use that to install onto the 2nd
partition? I figure the licensing issue wouldn't be a problem because
I could activate it legitimitely using my PC code.

Many thanks

J,

 

[dg1261]

I've tried imaging the first partition and copying the image
to the second partition but that doesn't work, if I set the 2nd
partition to active and hide the 1st partition I get into all
kinds of trouble. There must be something in the MBR or
somewhere that tells the PC which is the boot partition,
and that can't be copied to another partition.

Cloning/imaging will work, but there are two issues you have to deal with:
the boot.ini ARCpath and the drive letters remembered in the registry's
[MountedDevices] key. Visit my website at www.goodells.net/multiboot and
scroll down to the relevant sections for the details on what's happening and
how to fix it.


Dan Goodell