Dual boot: Win2k Server and Pro

[jmcoreymv]

Well I have two physical hard disks in my computer with Win2k Pro installed on the first one. Is there anything special I have to do to dual boot Win2k server on the second one? Thanks

 

[Chatterjee]

What I'd like to know is whether there is way to dual boot when you have one OS on one hard drive and different OS on another. Currently I'm just switching the IDE cable (so I have to leave the case open)

Are there any other alternativeS?

-S

 

[jmcoreymv]

Thats what I was asking 🙂

 

[atom]

System Commander can do it. The NT boot loader might be able to do it also, I'm not sure.

 

[Chatterjee]

How does system commander work?

 

[Wizkid]

NT Boot Loader will work if, the only non-NT based OS is on C:\...
If you just have NT/2000 then it will work for sure 🙂

Bootmagic works very well for booting win9x/me off of partitions other than c: and it is really easy to use... http://www.powerquest.com.

 

[SUOrangeman]

An important issue here is what drives will be seen?

If I have 2 drives with one partition on each drive, they will be lettered as C: and D: using the normal lettering scheme. Let's say, I install Win2K Pro on C:. Then I install Win2K Server on D: *without* disconnecting the drive that contains C:.

What I should see at boot is the boot loader with two options; Pro and Server. However, I will see both drives in *each* OS. \Program Files, \Winnt, and \Documents and Settings for Pro will be on C:, while those directories for Server will be on D:.

If I ever separate the drives, I don't think I will be able to boot into Server. If I am using C: itself, it won't be able to find the drive (D: ) where Server exists. D: won't boot by itself becasue the boot loader is on C:. *Maybe* repairing the Server install via CD is an option. I don't know for sure.

I probably wouldn't want to try to install Pro AND Server to the same \Winnt directory on any drive (C: nor D: in this case).

What would happen if you deactivate via BIOS one drive for install & operation (only C: is for Pro and only D: for Server)? I *think* the NT kernel will still see the other drive if it is powered and connected to the motherboard (yes, even though it is disabled in BIOS). This could wreak havoc on your lettering scheme (the disabled drive may still get a latter). Again, that could be a problem later if the drives are separated. On the other hand, if it works, you'll have a boot loader on each drive.

Clear as mud? If I had the time and resources, I'd try this little experiment.

-SUO

 

[Wizkid]

Yes, the OS will still it (at least it does for me--and I even disabled the entire controller!).