Hello. I have a computer with Windows ME installed. I want XP PRO, but I don't want to lose my currently installed programs. So, I want to install a second hard drive, and I want to put XP Pro on it. This is my question: How to do this, so that when I turn on the computer, I am given the choice of booting to ME or XP? Also, if I have booted to XP, then will I still be able to use programs which are located on the ME drive? Thanks, all.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306... Life's more painless for the brainless.

If you want to be able to share files between ME & XP, XP will have to be installed on a HDD or partition that's formated as FAT32. Once you've accomplished that, just boot into ME, then pop in the XP CD...when the installation window pops up, select "Advanced" (not "Upgrade") & make sure it installs into the new partition that you just setup. The dual boot configuration will be done automatically.

For more detailed information/options, read the Knowledge Base Article. Life's more painless for the brainless.

Slight addition... When installing XP on second drive - perhaps consider partitioning it into both a Primary partition (for OS, apps, utils etc...) and an Extended partition - for data only. Primary can be either fat32 or ntfs; "BUT" Extended (data area) would be fat32 if wishing to share it with ME... Small point perhaps but main point here is to "truly" separate data from any possible predations or problems assiciated with XP (installed in the Primary partition).