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how to setup a pc with multiboot os:wind

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by bc tan

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i wonder if a HDD with 30GB can be used as multiboot option in windows98, ME, NT4.0 & w2k server ?

if yes, how to install the above mentioned OS in one HDD ?

thanks in advance .

11 replies

by thechas

First, you will need to partition the drive.
Each installed OS will need it's own partition.

I would add a 5th partition, (formated FAT32) and store all data files there so that they can be accessed by any OS at any time.

It will be best to install the oldest OS first, finishing with the newest.

You may want to use a third party boot manager.

For detailed instructions on setting up a multi-boot system, check out the dual boot section at www.aumha.org
They also have a page that discusses partitioning stratagies.

by thechas

Just a side note;
You cannot plan to share applications between OS versions.
You will need to install each application required in each OS. Things will work best if each application has it's own seperate install folder for each OS.
I would install apps in the appropriate folder in the drive that the current OS is on.

by saihib

Use fdisk to create 4 partitions. Then start installing the OSs. Win98 first, then either NT4 or Win2K and finally ME. I'm not sure if ME will successfully install but I know the other 3 will because I've done it. See below for Microsoft's official position. You may need a third party boot manager.
"Dual-boot configurations between the personal operating system platforms (Windows Me, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows 98, Windows 95 OEM versions, and Windows 95) are not supported. For example,Windows Me and Windows 98 cannot be installed on the same computer and you cannot boot from one personal operating system to another. These operating systems share the same Io.sys, Msdos.sys, and Command.com files. Also, multiple-boot configurationsof Windows NT, Windows 2000, and a personal operating system, for example, Windows Me or Windows 98, are not supported." Microsoft may not officially support multi-booting but it can be done.

by dmiles

During setup if you use WINNT 4,remember that it will not read a FAT 32 partition and the drive will need to be setup on a fat partition.
Partition and format drive with fat
Load W9x first,if using FDISK utility,donot enable large disk support which will automatically set fat32,convert the file system after installing.
this is just a comment

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