xp/2000 server dual boot

[Steve P]

Hello,
I currently have a dual boot W2k ws/W2k server dual boot machine on which I
would like to install XP over the W2k ws partition. They are installed on
separate partitions, active one being W2k ws.

My question is: Is it possible for to install XP (clean install) over the
current workstation installation at the same time leaving the Server install
intact. I need the Server install for testing purposes.
Regrets in advance if this is posted elsewhere, but I could not find it.

Steve P.

 

[CZ]

I currently have a dual boot W2k ws/W2k server dual boot machine on whichwould like to install XP over the W2k ws partition. They are installed on
separate partitions, active one being W2k ws.

My question is: Is it possible for to install XP (clean install) over the
current workstation installation at the same time leaving the Server install
intact. I need the Server install for testing purposes.
Regrets in advance if this is posted elsewhere, but I could not find it.

Steve:

I run 9 op systems on the same computer (incl Win2k Pro (aka ws), XP, Win2k3
server).

Suggested general steps if you are currently using Win2k's dual boot
feature:
(Review these steps several times to make sure they make sense to you)
1) Backup (I normally omit this, but be aware of the risk)
2) Boot into Win2k server:
3) Copy all existing files (except pagefile.sys) in C:\ to a new folder
4) Format the Win2k Pro vol -OR- delete most files in it per the following:
If Win2k server vol is C:, and Win2k Pro is D:
Format D: as NTFS with 4k clusters
If Win2k Pro vol is C:, and Win2k server is D:
Delete all files in C: except for the files in the root and in the new
folder
Defrag C: several times
5) Install Win XP via a boot from the XP CD disk as a new/clean install into
the old Win2k Pro vol.
6) If you cannot boot into Win2k server after installing Win XP, edit the
boot.ini file in C:\ to include the line for Win2k server from the boot.ini
file in the new folder.
7) Once all is well, copy the files in C:\ (except pagefile.sys) to a diff
new folder (see note below).

Note:
Generally, ntldr and ntdetect.com files are different for each class of MS
op systems (NT, Win2k, XP, Win2k3 server). Newer op systems will not boot
from the older files, but older op systems will boot from the newer files.