Can someone please explain this?

vetplus40

Member
Feb 9, 2002
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I have this configuration in a dual boot system. One 60 gig master (hdd-0) with XP on it. The second is a 40 gig slave (hdd-1)with win98 on it. When I boot, I get the bootloader screen normally if I set the boot order to hdd-1. If I set the order to boot from hdd-0, I get the "No operating system found" nag message. I can use it like it is, but I would really like to understand why it only works in this order. I was booted up on the slave, with 98, when I started the XP install process, maybe this has some bearing on the situation. I would have figured that in a worst case scenario XP would have at least booted from the master. (even without the bootloader screen). If someone could explain, or direct me to some information it would be greatly appreciated. I have searched the forums,and F.A.Q.'s,but have not found any relevant info......Thanks
 

Smilin

Diamond Member
Mar 4, 2002
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NT can have the boot sector/files on one drive and the whole OS on the other drive. The drive where you have XP installed simply doesn't have a bootsector. This should work out just fine...XP may be installed on a wierd drive letter though. NT/2k/XP don't have to have the same drive be both the "system" and "boot" partitions.

I typically put 98 on a master, then switch it over to being a slave. I then put a new drive in as the master and install XP on it. If I make XP use NTFS instead of FAT, then the 98 OS can't see the new "C:" drive and still thinks it's on "C:". Don't have to fool with boot devices in bios that way...just set it on the XP drive and be done, the loader screen handles the rest.
 

vetplus40

Member
Feb 9, 2002
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Thanks for the reply.I understand part of what your saying,but your level of understanding is more elevated than mine. Can I do anything to correct this problem?. Ideally, I would like to be able to boot with either hard drive,and have the bootloader screen with each option.Can a novice do this?..