Installing Win2k = $#@% computer

[mikee]

I am trying to setup a Win98SE & Win2k dual boot system on a 45 gig hard drive with no luck. I have tried splitting into three or four FAT32 partitions (as I have described below) with the same disastrous results.

c: 500MB swap
d: 8 gig - Win98
e: 17 gig - Win2k
f: 20 gig

c: 8 gig - Win98
d: 17 gig - Win2k
e: 20 gig

I install Win98SE just fine on one partition. Then I try to install Win2k on a different partition. The setup completes and then I end up in Win2k. However, when I restart the computer, everything is nuked. I either get a message saying "invalid system disk", nothing, or some message saying my boot record or other is screwed.

My partitions are still there, but either the boot record or something else gets totally screwed up. So I boot up using a Win98 boot disk and look at my partitions. I also think I read something about my boot table and partition tables not matching. My partitions look like they have different names/labels and are filled with junk. It's never the same twice. One thought I had was that it might be a virus, but Win98 is working fine and this isn't pirated software. Please help!

Also, Is there a good way to totally reformat (low level?) my hard drive and then set up the partitions? Currently I'm using the Western Digital tools.

Anyhow, here's my system:
MSI 815E Pro (Could it be causing the problem?)
P3-700E
WD 45 gig
VisionTek 64mb Geforce2 gts
256 mb PC133 ram
This is all that I have installed when installing the OSes.

 

[bonkers325]

install win98se on a fat32 partition size of your choice

then boot with the win2k cd and create a ntfs partition

from there win2k install should be fine + it will also set up dual boot for u

 

[mikee]

But Win2k should install fine on a FAT32 partition. I did it fine on another computer.

 

[gamingbuddy]

when dual booting Win2k's boot loader MUST be in the C: drive. That is the problem.

 

[mikee]

pardon my ignorance, but how do i remedy that problem? i thought the boot loader automatically got put on the c: partition. maybe i'm wrong though.

 

[gamingbuddy]

Hey Mike, here is how I would do it:

C: win9x
D: win2k
E: backup stuff / mp3's etc..
F: another partition for backups, ghost images whatever. (optional)

First, setup C: w/ win9x. Make sure it works fine. then pop in the win2k cd, advanced setup and install it on the D: partition.

The boot loader will automatically reside in the C: partition.

I have done this setup countless times and it has worked flawlessly for me. Dont worry about setting aside a partition for swap. It really makes no difference.

good luck! and I hope you get that GTS working good for you!

 

[gamingbuddy]

ok another thing to look out for when setting up win2k.

After the initial copying of files, make sure after you reboot, the computer isnt booting off the cdrom! It has done this to me several times in hte past and it just gets to an endless cycle.

 

[mikee]

That is exactly the procedure I've used to install. Both OSes installed fine, but then after Win2k installed I can go into it for the first time (after choosing it from the boot menu)just fine. Afterwards I reboot and then everything is screwed like I described above.

 

[macssuck]

not absolutly sure but i think all operating systems have to be installed in the first 8gigs of the hard drive or they wont boot

 

[mikee]

Hmm, I remember reading something about that as well...

 

[Venomous]

I had the same problem. Only way to keep 98 from hosing my Win2k boot loader ( since i installed it on d partition ) was to take the extended partition from the D drive, merge it into an exsisting Fat32 partition up top, HIDE IT, then copy win98 over onto the new new hidden partition and upgrade it to win2k. I went as far as buying System Commander 2000. Their tech support pointed me this direction and has ultimately, been the best way to install my dual boot.

Windows 2000 doesnt care if Win98 or 95 or anything else is installed. But.. Win98 has a attitude problem and prefers to take over. So you must hide Win2K or anything else from 98 or you will eventually get the wondering win2k boot startup line, which stops at the end. Or you may get corrupted NTOSKRNL errors.

If you need any more detailed info, i could help you in email.