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Using Two OS -- Win98SE OR WinXP By Partitioning Hard Drive

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by bstarr, 2005/12/14.

  1. 2005/12/14
    bstarr

    bstarr Inactive Thread Starter

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    I am having increasing problems with my current OS, Win98SE. Blue Screen
    on every shutdown, continual system resource low warnings. I have tried all kinds of fixes and nothing helps. I want to switch over to XP incrementally.

    My Computer:
    Computer Speed 687 mhz

    Processor:

    Celeron (I think it is Pentium III ????)
    GenuineIntel x 86 Family 6 model 8 stepping 3 or
    GenuineIntel x 86 Family 6 model 8 stepping 3 or
    320 mb RAM

    Hard Drive 74.53 GB

    Video 800 x 600 in 64K colors
    64 gb free space


    I would like to use Partition Magic, or a similar program if recommended, to partition my hard drive and keep Win98SE in one partition and install WinXP in the new partition.

    I would like to gradually move all possible applications to the XP partition. I say gradually because I don't know what aps are compatible with XP. For example, I use Office 2000, mainly for Word. I understand it isnot supported under XP. I don't want to spend the money for a later version of Office, when 2000 is adequate for my needs.

    I am also undecided whether to buy XP Pro or XP Home.

    I need to know:

    A. what pitfalls I may encounteror

    B difficulty level of implementing my idea

    If you have any advice, tips or comments on the feasibility of my plan I would be grateful.

    Thanks!
     
    bstarr,
    #1
  2. 2005/12/14
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    bstarr

    What you propose is quite feasible and straightforward, but be aware that XP will not sparkle on your spec, but it will run, albeit rather slowly. Although your RAM is above the minimum recommended by MS of 128 Mb - which is actually a joke as XP would crawl on that amount of RAM - 256 Mb is regarded as an absolute minimum and you would be advised to increase your RAM to at least 512 MB.

    Given the processor/motherboard combination you have the best way of increasing performance is to add more RAM.

    Use Partition Magic or similar to create a new partition at the end of the drive and format it FAT32 - Win 98 will not see a NTFS partition and would be unable to access any data on it.

    Download XP drivers for your hardware before you start - there are plenty of drivers on the XP CD, which will be installed automatically, but some of these are basic and specific drivers are not necessarily included.

    Set your boot sequence in bios to CD-Rom > Floppy > Hard drive and boot from an XP CD and follow the instructions on the screen, being sure to select the new partition for the install.

    As you have 98 on the drive an XP upgrade CD will suffice - even for a fresh installation on a separate partition.

    Unless you want the enhanced security and other features of Pro which are aimed more at commercial users than home users I would recommend that you go for Home.

    Windows XP Comparison Guide

    You will need to install all your applications to the XP drive - they cannot simply be moved. Office 2000 works fine on XP, but do apply the Service Packs from Office Update

    Be sure to back up all your data before you start, just in case the whole exercise goes pear shaped - good general practice anyway, but especially good practice when you make system level changes, such as creating a new partition.
     
    PeteC,
    #2


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  4. 2005/12/14
    bstarr

    bstarr Inactive Thread Starter

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    Pete C

    Thanks for the excellent advice. You gave me a lot of good info that I have not run across in my meanderings researching the issue. I was unaware I could use the XP Upgrade rather than the full program and install in a separate partition. That will save me serious US$, yes?

    I like your description of your level of computer expertise.

    I will follow your instructions and let you know how I do. I will have to wait a bit as I am getting the XP and Partition Magic software from my boyfriend for Christmas. Can't wait. He'll also be happy you saved him some money. Probably enough for some serious Christmas libations.

    Cheers!
    Bette
     
    bstarr,
    #3
  5. 2005/12/14
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Bette

    Upgrade CD's always contain the full program, but require 'evidence' that you are either in possesion of a full install CD or have the previous version on the hard drive and are thus entitled to an upgrade at a reduced price.

    Your boyfriend should be a happy camper - the comparative prices this side of the pond are ~£88 for the Upgrade & ~£150 for the full package.

    Hope it goes well for you and remember to post back with any problems :)
     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2005/12/14
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    fyi, office 2000 runs just fine on xp, I have office 2000 pro on 3 computers here.
     
    TonyT,
    #5
  7. 2005/12/14
    bstarr

    bstarr Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks Tony,

    Glad to know Office 2000 will run under XP. Someone told me it wouldn't. One more problem solved.
     
    bstarr,
    #6
  8. 2005/12/14
    Newt

    Newt Inactive

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    Scratch that someone off your list of folks you pay attention to about PC issues.
     
    Newt,
    #7
  9. 2005/12/15
    bstarr

    bstarr Inactive Thread Starter

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    Newt,

    I may have a problem if I scratch this particular someone off my computer help list. It's my younger Son. He usually is fairly knowledgable about computer "stuff ". Or he asks the ITs where he works. I can't afford to embarrass him by letting him know his SOM (Sweet Ol' Mom) knows more than he does. I can't because he hasn't finished laying the pavers for my new patio yet.

    Question: Is installing an additional 256 RAM and XP going to solve my "system resources low" problem? I can deal with slow, but I am very fed up with blue screen and crashes.
     
    bstarr,
    #8
  10. 2005/12/15
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Bette

    System Resources are very much a Win 98 'thing' - you should not see that problem arise in XP. If you are interested in pursuing this further have a read of SYSTEM RESOURCES FAQ and be sure to scroll down to 'Would it help if I switched to Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows XP?'

    The straightforward answer to
    is probably not, but it will help XP no end.

    When you have XP up and running it would be a good idea to sort out 98 - if you choose to keep it.

    BTW - if you don't like the standard interface of XP it can always be changed to Windows Classic - the Win 98 look. Newt will call me a Luddite (again :D), but I am not one for the the glitz and candyfloss of XP Luna Blue :)
     
    PeteC,
    #9
  11. 2006/01/07
    bstarr

    bstarr Inactive Thread Starter

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    Success! Thank you Pete C.

    Pete,

    Based on your encouragement and sage advice, I took my courage in hand five days ago and:

    1. Partitioned Hard Drive with Partition Magic (first time I worked with partitions)

    2. Clean-installed Windows XP Pro, sp2 in new partition. (Also a first. In the past I either had OEM OS pre installed on new computers, or upgraded from Win 95 to 98)

    3. Installed Boot Magic -- now I can boot to either my old Win98 OS or to XP

    4. Am installing applications in XP -- time consuming -- still at it.
    I'll gradually transfer all my data from 98, then adios and farewell to 98!

    5. Cleaning up 5+ years of files (probably take me another 5 years). :)

    I am delighted with XP Pro -- what an improvement! No more blue screens, no more "system resources dangerously low" warnings. Cyber life is good again.

    I suspect my sons are surprised that their Mum could do all this stuff.

    Just had to say "Thank you Pete! "

    Bette
     
    bstarr,
    #10
  12. 2006/01/07
    rsinfo

    rsinfo SuperGeek Alumni

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    bstarr,

    Congratulations on getting it right, but just keep all the stuff updated on that machine - patches etc.:p
     
    rsinfo,
    #11
  13. 2006/01/08
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Glad to hear that it worked out for you and we have one more happy camper in our ranks :) Congratulations - you must be brimming with confidence now!!
     
    PeteC,
    #12
  14. 2006/01/08
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Just don't go & slip on the kneepads and start playing in the mud & bricks!
     
    TonyT,
    #13

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