Re: How to save all before re-installing XPHome?

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"Galen" wrote:

> You will almost certainly have to re-install 98 on the second drive though
> you MIGHT be able to get away with a repair installation which will save you
> some time. From there a boot manager (be careful with this) should do the
> trick. The best idea here is, in my opinion, to install the boot manager
> software FIRST and then -- using the features in it -- set it up to have the
> different drive load the second OS. Then, and only then, make the changes to
> do the install else you MIGHT end up eating the boot.ini file on your C:
> drive (or what ever your root drive is though it's usually C:) when you
> install 98. As you seem to know already installing 98 after installing XP is
> generally bad because 98 doesn't know about XP and thus will not dual boot
> easily. The reverse is much easier as XP will "see" that 98's installed and
> set you up with dual boot options automatically. You're wanting to make the
> changes using the boot manager before you make the installation probably...
> If not then read the help files with it carefully.
>
> Galen
> --
> Signature changed for a moment of silence.
> Rest well Alex and we'll see you on the other side.

Thanks Galen, Your post is most helpful in understanding what is at stake
here.
I am finding that I must install the 2nd HD and re-format it so that WinXP
will be able to partition it and thus "see" it. Right now, I can only get
WinXP to register the drive if I hook it up in place of my CD-ROM drive.
When it is connected in the secondary (slave) position on the IDE cable WinXP
refuses to acknowledge it. (Of course, there are 3rd party partition
managers available, but everyone cautions that they are as problematic as
treatment for cancer, and I like my grey hair on my head rather than on the
floor by the CPU.) So-o, do I understand you correctly that in the process
of installing WinXP, one is actually given the option to set up a dual boot
situation that would allow the continued use of Win98 as well as WinXP? If
so, why then would one choose to complicate the process by using a 3rd
party's boot manager software?
Considering the possible future hassles of using another party's boot
manager, and the cautions you have indicated above, would I be more prudent,
in the long run, to work through WinXP's setup, regardless of the time
involved? I am looking here at the total energy/psychological wellbeing of
taking the time NOW to go thru the process of re-installing Win98 and then
re-installing WinXP, VS the boot manager method we have been discussing.
Having had only the experience of re-installing WinXP, I am blind to how the
boot manager method compares in time and hassle, and in what the advantages
might be in using one rather than the one WinXP sets up. Of course, if WinXP
does not give that option, then it is obvious why a manager is necessary.
Please, if this seems simplistic or obvious to you, pardon my ignorance. My
nature is to try and think thru the process before actually taking my
computer "off line". In twenty years, (Can it be that long?!!?) of dealing
with personal computers as a consumer, I have spent too much time working on
getting it functioning rather than using it as a tool. If cars were this
problematic, there would still be many people riding horses. Of course,
there would probably not be such high gas prices. But I digress.
Again, Thank You, Galen, for all your time and knowledge.
.

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