Went through the XP help files, there is no help on editing the script (boot.ini) file so I'll post it here in the hope someone is in the know. On a standard boot-up (XP) I press F8 at DOS to go into a boot dialog, there I get the option to choose the operating system to boot into. BUT all I get is Win...XP.! Apparently I need to add the Win 98 to the list etc. But I'm not sure of the syntax to use. so here's the file: -------------- [boot loader] timeout=30 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" /cmdcons --------------- Ok..now, how to add the Win98se option in this file? Given that Win98 Fat32 is on the Master HD, on the First partition (not active); & for reference XP NTFS is on the same HD - Second partition (active). Any advice geek & geek'gals...umm, think that's the right syntax..hehe

Windows 98 must be on the C: drive active and installed FIRST then WinXP installed from within Win98 and it will setup the boot loader to chose win98 or WinXP. If not all the editing of the Boot.ini won't help.

try this multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows 98se Your boot loader should look like this multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2) \WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows 98se

The first answer from JPW is correct you have to have win98 installed on an active partition. when you have both os's installed on active partitions then go to the boot loader on your Cdrive and make sure they look like the example I sent you

Each operating system must be installed on a separate volume on your computer. In addition, you must ensure that the boot volume is formatted with the correct file system. You must reformat and repartition your hard drive if: You have only one volume (so each installation can retain its own files and configuration information). The boot volume is formatted with the NTFS file system. If you want to install Windows 95 or Windows 98 with Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000, the boot volume must be formatted as FAT, not NTFS, because Windows 95 and Windows 98 must be installed on the boot volume when more than one operating system is installed, and FAT is the only file system those systems support. Windows 95 OSR2, Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows XP support FAT32 volumes. How to create a multiple-boot system with MS-DOS, Windows 95 or Windows 98, and Windows XP You will be less likely to encounter problems installing a multiple-boot system with MS-DOS, Windows 95 or Windows 98, and Windows XP if you install these operating systems in the following order: MS-DOS, Windows 95 or Windows 98, and then Windows XP. If you have Windows XP installed on a volume formatted as FAT, and you have another free volume formatted as FAT or FAT32, you can install Windows 98 to the free volume without reformatting your hard drive. After ensuring that your hard drive is formatted with the correct file system, do one of the following: If you want a multiple-boot system with MS-DOS, Windows 95 or Windows 98, and Windows XP, install MS-DOS, then Windows 95 or Windows 98, and then Windows XP. If you want a dual-boot system with only Windows 95 or Windows 98, install Windows 95 or Windows 98, and then install Windows XP. Important Before creating a multiple-boot configuration with Windows XP and another operating system, such as MS-DOS, Windows 95, or Windows 98, review the following precautions: Each operating system must be installed on a separate volume. Microsoft does not support installing multiple operating systems on the same volume. If you have only one volume on your computer, you must reformat and repartition your hard drive to contain multiple volumes before you begin creating a multiple-boot configuration, unless you are simply installing another copy of Windows XP. You cannot install both Windows 95 and Windows 98 in a multiple-boot configuration. Windows 98 is intended as an upgrade to Windows 95 and will try to use the same boot file. You must install Windows XP only after installing MS-DOS, Windows 95, or Windows 98 to prevent MS-DOS or Windows 95 from overwriting the Windows XP boot sector and the Windows XP startup files. Do not install Windows XP on a compressed drive that was not compressed using the NTFS compression utility. You must use a different computer name for each operating system if the computer is on a Windows 2000 or Windows XP secure domain. If I have read this correctly, then I need a seperate partion for each OS; or are you saying I should create a new partition (NTFS)at the time of the NEW installation of XP from Win98?...can I do that..don't remenber seeing the option to partition at installation...tisoo confusing, maybe you could just clarify your post there Roch.

Why is this file editable to enable a dual boot, if it was not possible? I mean, there is the pointer to the partition, I don't know what 'multi(0)' refers to or 'rdisk(0)' but this is a pointer file. My question is If it's not possible to boot to an 'inactive partition' then why go to the trouble of providing a script & help file for it? multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2) \WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows 98se

You have some very useful answers from some obviously knowlegable people here. If your PC setup does not agree with what they have told you then no amount of editing is going to help you. Most files are editable but if you don't have the wherewithall to put in them then you are wasting your time. Suggestion: put 98 on c: first then XP on your other active partition. XP will create the boot file and you won't have to worry about editing something you appear not to understand in the first place.