Multiple boot XP?

[Patrick F. Clarin]

How can I setup 3 partitions on one computer with all of them running
Windows XP? I have PartitionMagic 8.0 but can't figure out what to do. I
need to set up 3 different ones because each partition will have demo
software that conflicts with each other if they are installed at the same
time.

 

[Gerry Voras]

Read up on how to properly configure the file boot.ini.

 

[Brian Smith]

In Partition Magic go to ' Pick a Task ' then select 'Create new Partition'
, the software does the rest for you - it will ask if you want to create the
new partition before or after the existing partition, but it will recommend
the best option.

I have installed win2k on two separate partitions on the same drive using
partition magic, the second os is for backup purposes only - you will of
course have to install the appropriate software on each partition - don't
try to install a separate os on a different drive ......... it's just not
worth the hastle !

Install your windows os as you normally would from the CD and the select the
appropriate partition, I created partitions of different sizes so the I knew
exactly which partition to install into.

Once completed, you will be able to select which os you wish to run during
the boot sequence - however for convenience I have edited the boot.ini file
and renamed the operating systems so that I know precisely which one I want
to use at start-up - for your purpose you could rename them winxp one /
winxp two etc.

I'm no expert but Partition Magic was simple to use .......... when it
creates the second / third partition it will re-boot your system in order to
create the partitions - it will appear to hang for a while but this is
normal - don't switch off the pc during this phase - leave well alone.

Get back to me if you need to know how to edit the boot.ini file, it's a
breeze !

Brian