Dual boot: 98SE and XP issue.

[IZON]

Current set up:
Primary: WD 80GB HD partitioned (with PM8): C 98SE; D applications; E games; F web & ftp stuff.
Secondary: Maxtor 160 GB HD partitioned: H video editing; I - back-up drive (everything also backed up across to second networked drive)

Here’s the issue:
I want to install XP pro on the Secondary drive, and I’d like to be able to select, at boot, which OS to choose from. – Is this possible?

Having windows 98se already installed simplifies things. However when I attempt to use PM8 to prepare the rig for XP, PM8 automatically wants to place XP on the primary drive (I can’t get around this – hence the above question).

If I use PM8 to create an NTFS partition on the Secondary drive will XP recognise it, and will I be able to install XP on to it during the set up procedure?

Alternatively, If I don’t create an NFTS partition on the Secondary drive, will XP still allow me to choose the Secondary drive for it’s installation or will it just ‘default’ to the Primary drive (as per PM8)?

I don't need to share files between the two OS's, I'm more than happy with 98se, I just need XP for a product design software. Thanks in advance.

[klingens]

You can. PM8 is totally unecessary. Just create a NTFS extended partition on your 2nd drive while isntalling. Then select it to install there. It will automatically copy a few things (namely its bootloader) on your C:\ FAT drive. When you boot XP, it will however be installed in D:, e.g. it resides in D:\WINDOWS not C:\WINDOWS but it works as well.

[IZON]

Thanks Klingens; If D becomes an NTFS drive which C 98SE can't see, what becomes of the current drive lettering sequence on the Primary drive? (I'm guessing everything will shift up one letter, in that case will the files automatically map?)

[klingens]

98SE won't see the new NTFS drive, so nothing will change there. XP will be installed fresh so ther eis no drive remapping there either.