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Name: Badmanrc
Just a quick question. I currently have my computer set up to dual boot. I was wondering if it was possible to creat a third partition and make a "Tri-boot" configuration. I want to be able to choose from three different operating systems. Is that possible, and if it is, are there any more complications that i should know about before i try it? Thanks for the help.
Ryan
If it's an M$-OS (not linux)... ensure you copy the XP version of ntldr/ntdetect.com to a floppy (and maybe also to a location on the c: drive). Likely as not you will need to restore the XP version of these two files if you were to add in either NT/W2K. If adding Linux... then I defer to others with more experience with that OS to advise you...
Also be sure you are across the issue of shared data (common file format for it?)
Perhaps indicate which OS you wish to add, and the format of the current active Primary?
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If going the boot-manager route: perhaps also consider the BootITng util. Generally seems to get good reports from folks here.
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I use the BootItNG boot manager and it allows the selection of almost unlimmited operating systems...There are certain issues dealing with multiboot that you will have to deal with. One being the 4 partition limitation from M$...Only a third party boot manager can override this issue...
BootItNG allows for any combination of operating systems to be used with no particular order of installation and each drive/partition maintains it's own MBR so their is no foulups!
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If you are triple booting M$ OSes, then you need to install the oldest OS first and the most recent OS last. That way the NT bootloader will take care of your boot options.
If you are installing M$ OSes and Linux then install Linux last. Linux will either install LILO or GRUB as the boot loader into the MBR and you should be able to boot all the OSes.
If you follow the above guidelines, then you do not need third party boot managers. However, you can also use them if you want.
What OSes are you planning to install? and what have you already got installed?
___________________________________________
☺ When everything else fails, read the instructions.
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At risk of pedantry... (actually more for the benefit of others less informed who may come across this post anon...)
"...If you are triple booting M$ OSes, then you need to install the oldest OS first and the most recent OS last..."
Not "strictly" true... Whilst it is prefereable to install oldest M$ OS first and progress to latest in a dual/multi-boot, it can be done in any order. This as long as one understands the how/why etc. that applies when installing an older (M$) OS after a newer/more recent one...
It can usually be done without recourse to add-in boot-manager utils. However there are occasions when such utils make it easier, provide a less bothersome/complicated installation overall - particularly when the file format of active Primary may become an issue; or you want install each OS to its own Primary - rather than some to a logical-drive etc., and have to overcome the four Primary partitions issue that can impinge...
In this case it does really depend on what is already installed; what is to go in at this stage...; as to which way to advise to go?
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Good clarification and explanation trvlr.
I had assumed no experience on the part of the questioner. However it does not hurt to clarify. As you said so long as one knows what they are doing and why.
___________________________________________
☺ When everything else fails, read the instructions.
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Get FirstDefense ISR as it allows you to select and boot into '10' different setups. Sorry, i don't post links in this forum any longer.
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