Dual boot instruction

Tomako · 23rd January 2002

Hello all,
I would like to know how to dual boot (win2k and win98). I know this has been discussed before, but I need a more clear instruction so I don't make any stupid mistake.
I am running win2k right now. I know the fact it's better to install win98 first then win2k... so what do i have to do now? Can win98 be boot directly from CD-Rom just like win2k?and do partitioning and formating there? or i have to boot with win98 start up and then partion (something called Fdisk?) and format there? then install win98 in C? then run win2k CD from win98 and install it in D:???
What i concern the most is the procedure of partitioning, formating and installing win98..... THANKS!

**Bursley** · 23rd January 2002

First thing I would do is create a repair disk on Win2k. This is done through the backup program now instead of RDISK.EXE.

Then Create your partition using disk managment under Win2k, and format the disk FAT32.
Boot from your setup disks and install Win98 to that partition. I know that Windows prefers the C drive, but as long as you don't mis the prompts, you can install it just about any where.
Win98 is suppose to be NT friendly, meaning it should just put it's entry into the boot.ini provided your C drive is not NTFS.
If it doesn't, then you will need to do a repair of the MBR and boot files under Win2k.

23rd January 2002

Does creating a boot disk under win2k with an NTFS partition cause that boot disk to not operate?? I get a error number 7 (ntkrnlmp.exe could not be loaded) when I use the boot disks i made from boot.exe or boot32.exe from the win2k CD.

Tomako · 24th January 2002

Thanks for the replies. I am actually preferring the safest way, which means the most proper procedure to obtain dual boot. Bursely, i know maybe your method is more time saving, but i am really looking for a more proper way to avoid any trouble. I have already backed up all the neccessary files so i don't mind to format my entire HD... i would like to have win2k in NTFS format and Fat32 for win98, so if you can show me how to do it from scratch i'll be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hex92 · 24th January 2002

Well the best way to do it is format and partition your HDD. Make your C partition Fat32 and the D partition NTFS. Install Win98 to C, make sure its working to your satisfaction, and then install Win2k to D. Win2k will recognize the previous installation of 98, make sure you don't tell it to install over (replace) win98.

That should be all it takes. I do beleive that you won't be able to see the D partition from 98 since 98 can't read NTFS. but you will be able to see the C drive from 2k

Hex92

jazzbo · 28th January 2002

I have 40 gig maxtor, w2000 is installed on C,all NTFS

could install ME or 98SE on D? if I revert file system back to fat?

Hex92 · 29th January 2002

Jazzbo: I think you can do it that way, but it just makes things more difficult. Win2k is 'smart' so it realizes that you have another OS on the drive already when you try to install it. ME and 98 won't make it easy on you.

My dual boot systems had 98 or ME loaded FIRST, then I put 2k on. I can't really help you too much trying to do it the other way.

Hex92

4th February 2002

Hi, if you really want a trouble free dual boot system, i'd recommend using Boot-us (http://www.boot-us.com)
and ignoring the dual boot facilities offered by windoze 2000
you would need to hide your 2000 partition, (boot-us can do this, as can partition magic) install your 98 OS (letting it think it's the only OS) install boot-us (full instructions with it) to the hard drive, then when you boot, you'll be offered a choice of which OS to run - which ever you choose, they will not know about the other OS = lots less problems
the reason that 98 has to be installed first to use the win2k dual boot option is that win2k modifies it by adding data etc, and the 2 OS's are sort of linked = lots more problems
the only trouble you should have with this, is if your hardrive uses a DDO (Dynamic Disk Overlay) a small piece of software sometimes needed to make an old motherboard reconise the full capacity of a modern large capacity hard drive.
p.s. i'd install win2k on the first primary partition on your drive (probably already is) and make a new secondary partition for 98

spotta
currently dual booting win2k, and 2 x 98
+ losing hair rapidly