elo wise guys! can you help me how to install dual OS (XP Pro and 98SE)..tnx impt. specs: Intel D865 PERL Motherboard P4 2.6C GHz 512 MB DDR PC400 80 GB HD here are some specific questions: 1. file system for each OS? 2. how many partiitons (i also want a separate partition for my data)? 3. size for each? 4. where will i install my programs? "a person who asks a question is a fool for 5 mins.... a person who does not, remains a fool for eternity..." -chinese proverb

Clean your drive first. Create the partitons on your drive as you want them. Install win 98 on the C drive first. When 98 is isntalled insert the XP disc and start the XP install, while 98 is running. You will be given a number of options, make sure you choose NEW INSTALLATION FROM THE START and at a later stage make sure you choose I WISH TO CHOOSE WHICH DRIVE TO ISNTALL XP ON, and choose copy files from CD. The first thing that will happen is XP will setup the DUAL BOOT SCREEN, do not change the option from XP untill the installation is complete. You will see this screen a number of times. When you get to the point where the hard drive partitions are desplayed for you, highlight the D drive and press the eneter key, after that the inatallation is as per normall. When the installation is complete the dual boot screen will show you 2 options, WINDOWS XP, AND WINDOWS. Unless you change the option XP will boot by deafult after 30 seconds, if you wish to boot from 98 just use your arrow keys and highlight WINDOWS that will boot 98. No more than 20 or smaller for 98 its upto you, format in FAT 32, a 20 gig for XP format in NTFS, the rest you can choose as you wish, but remember that 98 will not see the XP partition, or any other which is formated in NTFS. But XP will see both fat32 and ntfs. Hope that helps Regards IF IT AINT BROKE, DONT FIX IT - SIGNATURE COURTESY OF BUZZ187

HOW TO: Create a Multiple-Boot System in Windows XP

thanks janos, i have an additional question: 1. in what OS will i install my programs and drivers? 98SE or XP? 2. how can i change the time limit for selecting the OS to boot? thanks guys...ur really great.. not to mention that ur quick to respond..this site is great!! "a person who asks a question is a fool for 5 mins.... a person who does not, remains a fool for eternity..." -chinese proverb

Hi You must install all programs into both operating systems. You cant install a program into one os and use it from the other. All drivers for your hardware must be installed twice also. Different drivers are laoded under each OS. The time can be changed byt gainin access to the boot laoder foile which is sitting on your C drive, how ever unless you know exactly what you are doing I would recommend to leave well enough allone. See how you go with the deafult 30 sec time limit and if absltly neccessary ask the question again, and if I dont see it on tiume I am sure someone else will. Hope that answers your question. Regards IF IT AINT BROKE, DONT FIX IT - SIGNATURE COURTESY OF BUZZ187

I did neglect to mention one thing . At the dual boot post screen you dont need to wait for the 30 second time limit. XP Will be highlighted as stated above, just hit the enter key and the OS selected will start to boot. IF IT AINT BROKE, DONT FIX IT - SIGNATURE COURTESY OF BUZZ187

You must install all programs into both operating systems. Clarification: You cannot and should not install XP-based programs into Windows 98. i_XpUser