XP installed, now I want dual boot with W2K

[Fabolous05]

I already have XP Pro installed. Is it okay if I install Windows 2K after XP has been installed? Or would it have to be the other way around? Does it even matter vice versa? Thanks

[njdevs95]

Install oldest OS first, so first win2k then xp, you can probably go back and do a repair install on xp if you've already installed 2k though and that should fix any problems, I've done it before when a friend screwed up the order of install and it worked fine.

[Fabolous05]

meh.. I'll do it next time I reformat XP then

Thanks

[AstroCreep]

Originally posted by njdevs95
Install oldest OS first, so first win2k then xp, you can probably go back and do a repair install on xp if you've already installed 2k though and that should fix any problems, I've done it before when a friend screwed up the order of install and it worked fine.

It's not necessary to install 2000 first as long as you're using NTFS as the files system for both OSes.

[duke2106]

XP uses a newer version of NTFS, not to mention that the loading files that XP uses are different that 2000. Install 2000 after xp, and xp will break.

Unless you've done that yourself, I'd be interested in hearing about it.

[njdevs95]

Originally posted by AstroCreep
It's not necessary to install 2000 first as long as you're using NTFS as the files system for both OSes.

Actually it is or else it will screw up the boot files and xp won't work unless you go back and do a repair I've seen it happen enough times to know better.

[Fenixco]

this mite help you. it is the microsoft how to link for using both os'


shttp://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/gettingstarted/2000XP.asp

[AstroCreep]

Originally posted by njdevs95
Actually it is or else it will screw up the boot files and xp won't work unless you go back and do a repair I've seen it happen enough times to know better.

Originally posted by duke2106
XP uses a newer version of NTFS, not to mention that the loading files that XP uses are different that 2000. Install 2000 after xp, and xp will break.

Unless you've done that yourself, I'd be interested in hearing about it.

Yes, I did do it the opposite from what was mentioned.
I've did it at home with my test system when I was studying for my first MCP test; one of the 'exercises' was to set it up as a dual-boot system.
I just used Windows XP in place of Windows NT 4 because I already had XP installed, and there was no probelm with it booting.
I know that it's recommeneded that the oldest be put on first, but it worked for me; I'm guessing because of the minimal differences between NTFS 5 & 5.1? I dunno...

[duke2106]

Another question. Did the version of w2k that you installed have a service pack slipstreamed into it? Maybe that has something to do with it as well.

[AstroCreep]

No, just Windows 200 w/o any SPs.

After further thought, it might have to do with the fact that it was on a seperate hard disk altogether; not a seperate partition on the same hard disk - that's what I think allowed me to do it.

[njdevs95]

Seperate hard disk it will be fine, multiple boot partitions on a single drive you must go oldest to newest or be prepared for headaches.

[MrDigital]

I've installed Win2K after WinXP many times on the same partition without problems. NTLDR is the same on both and both detect the other without issues.

As far as NTFS 5 vs 5.1, I have yet to see any incompatibilities.

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've done it on about 5 machines (where, after installing XP we realized that a certain GIS program wouldn't run properly and had to put 2K on for it).

-MrD

[seal]

Originally posted by MrDigital
I've installed Win2K after WinXP many times on the same partition without problems. NTLDR is the same on both and both detect the other without issues.

As far as NTFS 5 vs 5.1, I have yet to see any incompatibilities.

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've done it on about 5 machines (where, after installing XP we realized that a certain GIS program wouldn't run properly and had to put 2K on for it).

-MrD

Hello:
I separately installed XP to a 250 GB HD and 2K to a 80 GB HD, both as the primary drive.
I now need to have the XP as the Primary and 2K as slave.
Will I be able to dual boot to primarily XP and occasionally Win2K?
Are there any preparation that I need to take, i.e. copy TNLDR file from win2K etc.
I want this to work smoothly.
Thanks for any help that anyone can offer.

[kenrippy]

Originally posted by seal
Hello:
I separately installed XP to a 250 GB HD and 2K to a 80 GB HD, both as the primary drive.
I now need to have the XP as the Primary and 2K as slave.
Will I be able to dual boot to primarily XP and occasionally Win2K?
Are there any preparation that I need to take, i.e. copy TNLDR file from win2K etc.
I want this to work smoothly.
Thanks for any help that anyone can offer.

Hi seal,

Maybe you should start your own thread to get faster help and advice.

[seal]

Thanks for your advice even across forums!!

I finally broke down and posted my topic but nobody has responded.
I was unsuccessful in linking my 2 H.D., one with XP and the other with W2K fully installed and updated.

I tried to re-install with the 2 drives linked but it would'nt let me re-install either w2K or XP.

I finally broke down and am in the process of partitioning my 250 GB drive into 2. I will install W2K to the primary smaller partition and then will try to install XP to the larger partition. From what I have read so far, this method should work for dual booting.

I will report back if I am successful.