Need Quick Win98/Win2k question answered!

[Yzzim]

Can I format c: and do a complete new install of Windows 98 with Win2k on the D drive? If I do that will I still have the OS option to boot into either Windows 98 or Win2k?
A format c: won't kill the Master Boot Record, will it?

Only reason I'm posting in OT is because I need a quick answer and am leaving in 10 min to help a friend with his comp.

TIA!!

 

[spanky]

i don't see why not. just boot off a cd or floppy. the mbr won't be lost unless u format mbr or fdisk /mbr (or something like that). someone correct me if i am wrong.

 

[Yzzim]

Great, I didn't think it would be a problem...I'm just a bit nervous since this person is pretty well known and I don't want to screw anything up.

I love ya spankyOO7

 

[spanky]

hehe...then just wait a few minutes to see if anyone else can verify my reply....anyone???

 

[dman]

Good Question. Win98's install overwrites the boot record. I know it kills boot magic. I don't know about the Win2K Boot record. Probably have to use Win2K/NT recovery disk or something to fix it.

 

[Yzzim]

Alright

 

[dman]

If it does, I imagine the repair is the same as in here

 

[SSP]

WIn2k have a file called boot.ini in C drive. If you delete this file (obviously it will get erased on a format) then you nolonger have dual boot.

I've tried this before and I was unable to get in to win2k (didn't have the dual boot menu). Anyway I reinstalled win2k which fixed the problem, but later I found out that you can add the boot.ini file and couple of other files to get the dual boot menu. Maybe someone will post a reply on how to set it up cause I forgot/don't know how it do it.

 

[Yzzim]

Thanks for the replies guys

I think if I did the repair in Win2k it should recreate the boot.ini files and any files that need to be on C to have the dual boot option.

Alright, I'm off. Thanks again for the responses guys

 

[spanky]

<< WIn2k have a file called boot.ini in C drive. If you delete this file (obviously it will get erased on a format) then you nolonger have dual boot. >>



hmm...than would backing up boot.ini and then restoring it after win98 is reinstalled preserve the dual boot?