multi boot system

chewbacca · 10-03-06, 11:15 PM

I'm trying to install windows 2000 as a multi-OS configuration in my computer. Is there a way I can install win2000 without overwriting my boot record files and stuff? I already have windows xp on the hard drive and i don't want it erased or NOT have it as the default OS on my computer. BTW, there are 2 partitions on the harddrive.

I want to have win2000 but not as the default OS, just to come up when i need it.

10-03-06, 11:42 PM

since u have a second partition, can't u just install it on that second partition and then when u boot it will give u the choice of either booting into xp or w2ksrv?...

chewbacca · 10-04-06, 12:55 AM

i dont know

im just concerned about the master boot record part.

**radimus** · 10-04-06, 05:37 AM

install it on a seperate partition (easiest) and then boot off the XP cd and have it repair and it will fix it... no harm done

10-04-06, 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by Ecks

since u have a second partition, can't u just install it on that second partition and then when u boot it will give u the choice of either booting into xp or w2ksrv?...

Thats how i installed Vista RC1 to have a dualboot along with my original winxp installation

10-04-06, 06:56 AM

I used Boot Magic - used to be part of Partition Magic when I ran Linux and Win 2k and that was very smooth just choose the OS at boot up. Not sure if it still available but there are similar apps around - I think PM gives you the option to install additional OS's - you would need to check that - been a long time since I used it.

Pebu · 10-04-06, 08:10 AM

when installing w2k it asks you if you want to format the partition. Say no. You could even make as many partitions as you want (theoretically). From what I've seen when you start it up it asks you which you want to start up in.

sgtsampay · 10-04-06, 04:55 PM

I'm also looking for a dual boot program that will allow me to boot XP home, Vista, and Ubantu. I would like it to be free but if not then I will jsut have to deal.. Someone pelase help. Thanks.

**radimus** · 10-04-06, 06:31 PM

vista uses a different bootloader.

install XP, then Vista. Vista's Bootloader will manage both of those options

I Assume Ubuntu's is using one of the typical Linux boot manager's which will allow you to select between A) Ubuntu and B) windows

So you will get:
A) Linux
B) Windows
then:
1) Vista
2) XP

I don't know if thsomeone has made a bootloader that would manage all three yet... if not eventually

aximbigfan · 10-05-06, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Pebu

when installing w2k it asks you if you want to format the partition. Say no. You could even make as many partitions as you want (theoretically). From what I've seen when you start it up it asks you which you want to start up in.

no, there is a limit, 4 primary partions and i dont think that you can boot off of any other type of partin. of caurse you could just get a bunch of hdds and hdd controllers and put 4 primary partions on eatch.....

chris

DaLabrador · 10-05-06, 10:52 AM

Grub (linux bootloader) can boot just about everything, so if you've got a working XP installation and a spare partition/free space on a drive, grub will detect the XP partition and autmatically add it to the boot list when installing linux. If not it's easy to configure grub to boot XP.
Windows XP:s bootloader is not as automagic (nor good), but you can boot linux with it like this (At the bottom of the page).

Oh, and radimus had the easiest solution - If you have a working XP partition and another partition free for win2k - install win2k on the empty partition, boot your windows xp CD in "rescue mode" and use "fixmbr" or "fixboot" (I usually try both. I can't remember which one is the correct one), and xp:s bootloader should recognize your win2k partition/bootloader.

sgtsampay · 10-05-06, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by radimus

vista uses a different bootloader.

install XP, then Vista. Vista's Bootloader will manage both of those options

I Assume Ubuntu's is using one of the typical Linux boot manager's which will allow you to select between A) Ubuntu and B) windows

So you will get:
A) Linux
B) Windows
then:
1) Vista
2) XP

I don't know if thsomeone has made a bootloader that would manage all three yet... if not eventually

So all I do is install vista (I'm not doing linux right now) and it will have its own dual booter? Also, I downloaded the Vista file From MS and what do I do with it now? I do have Nero Start Smart software but how I do I get it on a bootable DVD? Thanks.

aximbigfan · 10-05-06, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by sgtsampay

So all I do is install vista (I'm not doing linux right now) and it will have its own dual booter? Also, I downloaded the Vista file From MS and what do I do with it now? I do have Nero Start Smart software but how I do I get it on a bootable DVD? Thanks.

plop a dvd in the dvd-rw drive, double click on the iso file (the file you downloaded from ms) and burn it to the dvd, to boot up to the vista setup util, go into your bios (press the magic key combo at startup (usally DEL, or F1 or F2 or even F11) and depending upon they key combo you entered you will eather open up the bios or you will get a boot menu... if you got a boot menu go to 1. or if you got the bios go to 2.

1. use the arrow keys to select your dvd drive in which the vista dvd is in. then press "enter"

2. navigate to a page where it asks for the boot order, adjust the boot order so that your dvd drive (the one with the vista disk is in) is first then hdd. then exit the bios WITH savig. your comp will outo restart however i recommend that once it complets the POST you press and hold the power button to turn off then back on.

you will see a line of text that reads
press any key to boot off cd. and every secoudn a period will be added to the end of the line, press enter or spacebar when this line of text pops up. it may tack a few secounds/minoutes so if it doesnt pop up immeditly dont be concerned. dotn wait too longto push space bar/enter or the dvd boot willk be canceld.

the installer will start next.
after the install is complete revers 2. ONLY IF YOU USED THE BIOS OPTION. settign the hdd as the first boot device.

chris

sgtsampay · 10-05-06, 05:45 PM

Thanks very much ABF. That was a great help. Now I can install Vista and try it out for the first time in my life. Thanks a bunch. Now, mabye you can ansewer this Q. What software can and can't run under Vista and how can I tell what will? Or do I just try them and see if it like Vista or not. Thanks again. Nice speeling BTW.

:p :p

sgtsampay · 10-07-06, 01:16 AM

O, I forgot to mention, what do I do about the hard drive portions? I don;t want to erase any date/loose XP.