Dual boot question...

I just got a 100 Gb HD and posted a message about that yesterday concerning format and set-up; plus I was advised to set up with dual OS... Presently I have 2 HD:

1.) a.) OS --5GB
b.) Program files-- 20 GB
c.) data area-- 5GB
2.) 2 partitions with 20 GB each for data.....

my question is when you do a dual OS set-up( WIN98SE & WINXP PRO) on seperate partitions should you make both bootable sections or how exactly do you do it???? Also, after you have HD set-up then how do you select which OS to boot to???? Meaning does windows handle that our do you need third part software?? And finally, How do you load up programs then. Do you have to load under each OS seperately or can you share program file area?????

Thanks for the help, you all have been a BIG help!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I presently have the same setup on my PC.


Procedure is as follows.

1/ Set up partitions using FDisk (Ensure adequate size for each OS)
2/ Install Win98 on primary parttion (c: )
3/ Download updates for Win98
3/ Load Win98 then insert WinXP CD
4/ During setup, choose "Clean Install - Advanced"
5/ During setup, click "Advanced Options" and "Choose which partition to install OS to"
6/ Upon reboot, select the desired partition for WinXP install
7/ Setup WinXP as desired

When you re-boot the system, you will get an extra screen just after POST. It will give you option to boot Win98 or WinXP. Windows will do this automatically. You can get 3rd party software but it is not required.

As for file sharing. You cannot use a program installed under Win98 when in WinXP or vice-versa. You can access files saved in any data area (Providing you install WinXP as FAT32 NOT NTFS) You cannot switch between OS "on the fly" you have to shut down and re-boot to change OS. Any programs you have such as M$ Office must be installed on each OS.

Enjoy

 

This is sort of off topic but...what's the point of a dual boot, sorry for being a n00b but it seems like a BIG hassle.

 

Dual Boot systems have many uses. My personal reason for use is that I use some old games and programs that WinXP don't like, so I have to run them on Win98. I also now have the benefit that if Win98 screws up on me, I can boot into WinXP and fix it, and vice-versa. Other people find different uses for different OS, so dual boot their two favourite. Win98 is (reported to be) the fastest OS for gaming, whereas WinXP is the best for networking, stability and office functions.

It is all down to personal choice really.