If you have Windows 9X installed, and then install XP or NT4 or 2000, it
will setup a boot loader and offer you the choice of which operating system
you wish to boot into.
This is your Boot.ini file and can later be edited.

If you have XP or 2000 installed, and then install Win9X or some other
operating system that overwrites the MBR, the chances are good that XP or
2000 will catch it and set up the multi boot correctly.

However, if it doesn't, and you find your self  booting directly into the
new operating system, then start up the XP, Windows 2000 or NT4 setup
routine, and when you get to the part where it asks you if you want to
perform a new install or perform a repair select repair. Then do a <manual
repair > and select <repair boot sector> ONLY. It will almost
instantaneously tell you that it is done, and advise you to reboot. When
you do, ... your boot loader will operate correctly.

Note>> In Windows 2000 and NT4 make sure you update your Emergency floppy
before doing this. The Repair will ask for it because it contains the
administrative security authorizations necessary for you to make a repair.
To make one in NT4, at the command prompt type RDISK. In Windows 2000 go to
START...Programs.... Accessories ... Systems ...Backup.   XP does not
appear to have an emergency floppy.. or at least I haven't found it yet.

Note>>>if you let NT4 or win2K or XP automatically make repairs,  it will
replace a lot of updated files back to what they were when you originally
installed. Don't do this or you probably won't be able to boot back in.

Note >>> You may want to backup your partitions by making a image file with
something like Drive Image, or Ghost, before doing anything.

Rode
The NOSPIN Group


>I do not think there is a way to set up a dual boot after windows XP is
>already installed. What I have always found to work is a clean install of
>both but first you have to install win 98 and then install win XP on the
>other hard drive. That has always worked for me with win 2000 pro. hope this
>helps.
>
>Bradley Marden
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