boot loader

For testing purposes I have installed many versions of Windows OS (98,
Me, NT4, 2000, XP) on one PC (sam disk, but different partitions). The
problem is that when I install some app and finish testing it, I need to
reinstall Windows for new testing. And if I install (for example) Win98 it
seems that it destroys all newer OS's (2000, XP...). I've been thinking of
buying Norton Ghost or something similar, but just wanted to ask you pros if
there is some better or free Windows boot loader or solution or article?

Reinstalling Windows 98 will destroy the Windows XP/2000 boot files but that
would be easily fixed using the Windows XP/2000 CD and the Repair Console.
Here's details on the Win2K repair console (pay special attention to the
FIXBOOT section), the XP console works in a similar manner:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/229716/EN-US/

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User]
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* My website, such as it is ... http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Petar Popara" wrote in message
...

For testing purposes I have installed many versions of Windows OS (98,
Me, NT4, 2000, XP) on one PC (sam disk, but different partitions). The
problem is that when I install some app and finish testing it, I need to
reinstall Windows for new testing. And if I install (for example) Win98 it
seems that it destroys all newer OS's (2000, XP...). I've been thinking of
buying Norton Ghost or something similar, but just wanted to ask you pros
if
there is some better or free Windows boot loader or solution or article?

You need a few things to do this testing on regular basis as I'm sure, even
if the operating system installation doesn't destroy any other installed OS,
am sure you don't want to have to reinstall the OS everytime an errant
application craps the bed and ruins the OS for one reason or another.

You need a boot manager to hide the other OSes from each other, always.

You need a imaging program to copy the fresh installation of the OS to an
image file. Then, for whatever the reason, you restore the entire OS
installation without going through the tedious and lengthy installation
process. This is NOT free:
http://www.v-com.com/product/System_Commander_Home.html

You need a target such as another hard drive to place all these image files.

The current version of Ghost will not work with Win98. Here's one that will
work with all that you mentioned:
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/


"Petar Popara" wrote in message
...

For testing purposes I have installed many versions of Windows OS (98,
Me, NT4, 2000, XP) on one PC (sam disk, but different partitions). The
problem is that when I install some app and finish testing it, I need to
reinstall Windows for new testing. And if I install (for example) Win98 it
seems that it destroys all newer OS's (2000, XP...). I've been thinking of
buying Norton Ghost or something similar, but just wanted to ask you pros
if
there is some better or free Windows boot loader or solution or article?

Hi Petar,

This is what I do on my "experiment" computer (which is currently a
WIN98//WINXP dual boot configuration) when I need to reinstall WIN9x (as I
also install WINME on occasion, depending on what experiment I am currently
performing) with XP already installed........

Have a look at the "Repairing the Windows® XP Boot Loader" section he
http://dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_9x.htm

In addition to creating the READ.SCR file and saving it to the WIN98 startup
floppy disk, I also added XP's NTLDR and NTDETECT.COM as well as the
BOOT.INI file to the WIN98 startup floppy disk.
After performing the instructions in Step #4, I then copy the NTLDR,
NTDETECT.COM and BOOT.INI files to the C: drive.
Then I continue with Step #5 and on.



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

"Petar Popara" wrote in message
...

For testing purposes I have installed many versions of Windows OS (98,
Me, NT4, 2000, XP) on one PC (sam disk, but different partitions). The
problem is that when I install some app and finish testing it, I need to
reinstall Windows for new testing. And if I install (for example) Win98 it
seems that it destroys all newer OS's (2000, XP...). I've been thinking of
buying Norton Ghost or something similar, but just wanted to ask you pros
if
there is some better or free Windows boot loader or solution or article?