Dual Booting windows

[br945]

I have windows xp on the main HDD and win98 on a second HDD.

The second HDD is from my previous PC and contains previous data and programs.

There are certain programs on the HDD with win98 which run only on win 98 and not windows xp.

I would like to now how can I start the PC with windows 98 or optionally windows xp depending upon when it is necessary to run any old program.

Once having started with win98, how to switch to win xp or vice versa?

[Alan2273]

The only way to dual boot them is to start with a fresh install, 98Se first then XP,

or you can try this as you allready have XP installed, install VMware server, create a new virtual machine and install Windows 98 in that machine. You can then run both OS versions at the same time without rebooting.

[br945]

The only way to dual boot them is to start with a fresh install, 98Se first then XP,

or you can try this as you allready have XP installed, install VMware server, create a new virtual machine and install Windows 98 in that machine. You can then run both OS versions at the same time without rebooting.

Thanks.

But if I am ready to boot separately each time? Can it be done then?

[Alan2273]

In theory yes, in practice highly unlikely.

As the 98se is from a different computer it will have drivers installed for the chipset of the other motherboard, plus the fact you would have to disconnect the hard drive you do not want to use each time.

If you do want to try, have a look at the GRUB boot loader (DOS/Windows section).

http://www.gnu.org/software/grub/manual/gr...DOS_002fWindows

[Web host guys]

Eww win98. But if it's a must I'd say just use VMware and run windows 98se in a virtual machine, hehe, that's just my opinion.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

You can use the Windows XP boot manager to configure your dual boot options; see http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/289022

As for Windows 98, you can do a simple repair install, and it will install all the correct drivers. I am not sure if you really need Win98, as you can run any older applications in Win9x compatibility mode under XP.

[br945]

You can use the Windows XP boot manager to configure your dual boot options; see http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/289022

As for Windows 98, you can do a simple repair install, and it will install all the correct drivers. I am not sure if you really need Win98, as you can run any older applications in Win9x compatibility mode under XP.

To clarify:

1. I already have the win98 already installed in my secondary HDD. In fact, sometimes, by a fluke, when I start the PC, it boots with win98. Then I have to shut the PC and re-boot before it correctly starts with win xp.

2. There are some programs e.g. Cheyenne Bitware fax software which works only on win 98 and not later versions. This Cheyenn Bitware fax was subsequently discontinued so there is no later version. This is an excellent freeware program for sending faxes from the PC.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Have you tried the boot manager, so that you can selectively startup which Windows version you want? (Make a backup copy of boot.ini before you start to modify it.)

Have you tried installing and running your fax software under XP compatibility mode?