Installing more than one operating system on

your computer
You can install more than one operating system on your computer and choose which operating
system you want to use every time you start your computer. This is often called a dual-boot or
multiple-boot configuration. Windows XP supports multiple booting with MS-DOS,
Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 3.51, Windows NT 4.0, and
Windows 2000.

Disk volumes and disk format

Each operating system must be installed on a separate volume on your computer. In addition,
you must ensure that the boot volume is formatted with the correct file system. If you have only
one volume, you must repartition and reformat your hard drive so that each installation can retain
its own files and configuration information.

If you want to install Windows 95 or Windows 98 with Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000, the

boot volume must be formatted as FAT, not NTFS, because Windows 95 and Windows 98 must
be installed on the boot volume when more than one operating system is installed, and FAT is
the only file system those systems support. Windows 95 OSR2, Windows 98, Windows 2000,
and Windows XP support FAT32 volumes.

However, if you format a Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows XP volume with any

file system other than NTFS, you will lose all NTFS-specific features. This includes some
Windows XP features such as file system security, encrypting file system (EFS) settings, disk
quotas, and Remote Storage. Likewise, Windows 95 and Windows 98 cannot recognize an NTFS
partition and will identify it as unknown. Therefore, if you format a Windows 98 partition as
FAT, and a Windows XP partition as NTFS, any files on the NTFS partition will not be available
or visible if you try to access them while running Windows 98.

Operating System Supported File System

MS-DOS FAT
Windows 3.1 FAT
Windows 95 FAT
Windows 95 OSR2 FAT, FAT32
Windows 98 FAT, FAT32
Windows 2000 FAT32, NTFS
Windows XP FAT32, NTFS

How to create a multiple-boot system with MS-DOS, Windows  95 or Windows 98, and
Windows XP

D.M. RANASINGH BANDARA Page 1

You will be less likely to encounter problems installing a multiple-boot system with MS-DOS,
Windows 95 or Windows 98, and Windows XP if you install these operating systems in the
following order: MS-DOS, Windows 95 or Windows 98, and then Windows XP.

If you have Windows XP installed on a volume formatted as FAT, and you have another free
volume formatted as FAT or FAT32, you can install Windows 98 to the free volume without
reformatting your hard drive.

After ensuring that your hard drive is formatted with the correct file system, do one of the
following:

 If you want a multiple-boot system with MS-DOS, Windows 95 or Windows 98, and

Windows XP, install MS-DOS, then Windows 95 or Windows 98, and then
Windows XP.
 If you want a dual-boot system with only Windows 95 or Windows 98, install
Windows 95 or Windows 98, and then install Windows XP.

Important

Before creating a multiple-boot configuration with Windows XP and another operating system,
such as MS-DOS, Windows 95, or Windows 98, review the following precautions:

 Each operating system must be installed on a separate volume. Microsoft does not
support installing multiple operating systems on the same volume.
 If you have only one volume on your computer, you must reformat and repartition your
hard drive to contain multiple volumes before you begin creating a multiple-boot
configuration, unless you are simply installing another copy of Windows XP.
 You cannot install both Windows 95 and Windows 98 in a multiple-boot configuration.
Windows 98 is intended as an upgrade to Windows 95 and will try to use the same boot
file.
 You must install Windows XP only after installing MS-DOS, Windows 95, or
Windows 98 to prevent MS-DOS or Windows 95 from overwriting the Windows XP
boot sector and the Windows XP startup files.
 Do not install Windows XP on a compressed drive that was not compressed using the
NTFS compression utility.
 You must use a different computer name for each operating system if the computer is on
a Windows 2000 or Windows XP secure domain.

How to create a multiple-boot system with Windows NT 4.0 and Windows XP

Using a multiple-boot system with both Windows NT 4.0 and Windows XP is not recommended
as a long-term solution. The NTFS update in Service Pack 4 for Windows NT 4.0 is provided
only to help you evaluate and upgrade to Windows XP.

After ensuring that your hard drive is formatted with the correct file system, install
Windows NT 4.0, and then install Windows XP.

D.M. RANASINGH BANDARA Page 2

 Important

Before creating a multiple-boot configuration with Windows XP and another operating system,
such as MS-DOS, Windows 95, or Windows 98, review the following precautions:

 Each operating system must be installed on a separate volume. Microsoft does not
support installing multiple operating systems on the same volume.
 If you have only one volume on your computer, you must reformat and repartition your
hard drive to contain multiple volumes before you begin creating a multiple-boot
configuration, unless you are simply installing another copy of Windows XP.
 If you intend to install more than one operating system consisting of some combination of
Windows NT 4.0 with either Windows 2000 or Windows XP as the only installed
operating systems, you must ensure that you have installed Service Pack 4 for
Windows NT 4.0. Windows XP will automatically upgrade any NTFS partitions it finds
on your system to the version of NTFS used in Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
However, Windows NT 4.0 requires Service Pack 4 to be able to read and write files on a
volume formatted with the version of NTFS used in Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
 Do not install Windows XP on a compressed drive that was not compressed using the
NTFS compression utility.
 You must use a different computer name for each operating system if the computer is on
a Windows 2000 or Windows XP secure domain.

Installing programs on more than one operating system

You must treat each operating system as a separate entity. Any programs and drivers you want to
use must be installed under each operating system under which you want to use it. For example,
if you want to use Microsoft Word on the same computer under both Windows 98 and
Windows XP, you must start Windows 98 and install Microsoft Word. Then, you must restart
your computer under Windows XP and install Microsoft Word again.

Notes

 If you have more than one operating system on your computer, you can set the operating
system you want to use as the default when you start your computer. For more
information, click Related Topics.
 Windows 95 or Windows 98 might reconfigure hardware settings the first time you use
them. This can cause configuration problems when you start Windows XP.

Repair overview
D.M. RANASINGH BANDARA Page 3
Windows XP includes several features to ensure that your computer and the applications and
devices installed on it work correctly. These features help you solve the problems that can result
from adding, deleting, or replacing files that your operating system, applications, and devices
require in order to function. Most of these features are available on all three versions of
Windows XP: Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, and Windows XP 64-Bit
Edition.

The recovery feature or features that you use depend on the type of problem or failure you
encounter. Use the following list to determine which features to use to address a specific
problem.

Your personal data files are missing or have been corrupted, or you want to revert to a
previous version of a file.

If you have saved a copy of the data file in another location, you can copy it from that location
back to your hard disk. You can make a back-up copy at any time by copying the file to another
location on your computer, to external storage such as a removable disk, or to a different
computer.

Feature: Backup
When to use it: When you need to restore a version of a data file that you saved using
Backup.
What it does: Restores files from backups.
Available on: All versions of Windows XP. By default, this utility is not installed on
Windows XP Home Edition. You can install it from the Windows XP Home Edition
compact disc, however.
For more information, see Backing up files and folders.

After updating a device driver, you can log on, but the system is unstable.

Feature: Device Driver Roll Back

When to use it: When the only change you want to undo is the updating of a device
driver (other than a printer driver). You must be logged on as an administrator.
What it does: Reinstalls the driver you were using previously and restores any driver
settings that were changed when you added the new driver. Affects no other files or
settings. Printer drivers cannot be restored with Device Driver Roll Back.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
For more information, see To roll back to the previous version of a driver.
Feature: System Restore
When to use it: You recently updated a device driver, and using Device Driver Roll
Back did not restore stability to your system. You must be logged on as an administrator
to use this feature.
What it does: Restores all system and application settings back to those that were in
effect at a point in time you specify. Undoes key application, driver, and operating
system file changes made since that time. Does not affect data files.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.

D.M. RANASINGH BANDARA Page 4

 For more information, see System Restore overview.

After installing a new device, the system is unstable.

Feature: Disable the Device

When to use it: When you suspect that one or more specific hardware devices are
causing the problem. You must be logged on as an administrator.
What it does: Disables the hardware device and its drivers.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
For more information, see To disable a device.
Feature: System Restore
When to use it: When you suspect that one or more specific drivers are causing the
problem, and disabling or removing the device does not solve the problem. You must be
logged on as an administrator.
What it does: Restores all system and application settings back to those that were in
effect at a point in time you specify. Restores key application, driver, and operating
system files changed since that time. Does not affect data files.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
For more information, see System Restore overview.

Changes made to your system or application settings are causing your computer to run
poorly, and you do not know how to restore the previous settings.

Feature: Device Driver Roll Back

When to use it: When the only change you you want to undo is the updating of a device
driver (other than a printer driver). You must be logged on as an administrator.
What it does: Reinstalls the device driver you were using previously, and restores any
driver settings that were changed when the new driver was added. Affects no other files
or settings. Printer drivers cannot be restored with Device Driver Roll Back.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
For more information, see To roll back to the previous version of a driver.
Feature: System Restore
When to use it: When you suspect that any of the following changes have been made:

 System or application settings have been changed. This includes changes made
through property sheets and changes made to the registry.
 Applications have been installed, updated, or removed.
 Files other than data files have been added or deleted.

If you suspect the problem is due to installing an application, first try removing that
application. If the problem persists, use System Restore. You must be logged on as an
administrator to use System Restore.
What it does: Restores all system and application settings back to those that were in
effect at a point in time you specify. Restores key application, driver, and operating
system files changed since that time. Does not affect data files.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.

D.M. RANASINGH BANDARA Page 5

 For more information, see System Restore overview.

After installing an application, the system is unstable or an application is not working

properly.

Under some circumstances, the computer will prompt you to repair or reinstall an application
from a network location or from the original set-up media (for example, the program CD). If this
happens, follow the directions on the screen to repair your program. If you are not prompted with
this information, you can use one of the following features to repair your program:

Feature: Add or Remove Programs

When to use it: When you suspect that one or more specific programs are causing the
problem.
What it does: Removes the programs you specify.
Available on: All versions of Windows XP.
For more information, see Add or Remove Programs overview.
Feature: System Restore
When to use it: When using Add or Remove Programs did not solve the problem. You
must be logged on as an administrator.
What it does: Restores all system and application settings back to those that were in
effect at a point in time you specify. Restores key application, driver, and operating
system files changed since that time. As a result, any changes the program has made to
your system are undone. Does not affect data files.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
For more information, see System Restore overview.

Operating system does not start (the logon screen does not appear)

Feature: Last Known Good

When to use it: When you suspect that a change you made to your computer before
restarting might be causing the failure.
What it does: Restores the registry settings and drivers that were in effect the last time
the computer started successfully.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
For more information, see To start the computer using the last known good
configuration.
Feature: Safe Mode and System Restore
When to use it: If you used Last Known Good and your system is still not working.
What it does: Starts using only basic files and drivers (mouse, except serial mice;
monitor; keyboard; mass storage; base video; default system services; and no network
connections). If you are able to start the system in Safe Mode, you can then use System
Restore to restore all system and application settings back to those that were in effect at at
a time when your system was working optimally.
Available on: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
For more information, see System Restore overview or Start the computer in safe mode.
Feature: Recovery Console

D.M. RANASINGH BANDARA Page 6

 When to use it: If using Last Known Good is unsuccessful, and you cannot start the
computer in Safe Mode. This method is recommended only if you are an advanced user
who can use basic commands to identify and locate problem drivers and files. To use the
Recovery Console, restart the computer with the installation CD for the operating system
in the CD drive. When prompted during text-mode setup, press R to start the Recovery
Console.
What it does: From the Recovery Console, you can access the drives on your computer.
You can then make any of the following changes so that you can start your computer:

 Enable or disable device drivers or services.

 Copy files from the installation CD for the operating system, or copy files from
other removable media. For example, you can copy an essential file that had been
deleted.
 Create a new boot sector and new master boot record (MBR). You might need to
do this if there are problems starting from the existing boot sector.

Available on: All versions of Windows XP.

For more information, see Recovery Console overview.
Feature: Automated System Recovery
When to use it: After all other attempts at recovery fail, or if you have replaced a
damaged system hard drive. You must have previously used Backup to create an
Automated System Recovery set.
What it does: Automated System Recovery restores all disk signatures, volumes, and
partitions on the disks required to start the computer. Automated System Recovery then
installs a simplified installation of Windows and automatically starts a restoration using
the backup created by the Automated System Recovery wizard.
Available on: Windows XP Professional. Automated System Recovery is not available
on Windows XP Home Edition.
For more information, see Automated System Recovery overview.
Feature: Windows Installation compact disc
When to use it: When you cannot start the computer in Safe Mode, neither Last Known
Good nor Recovery Console has been successful, and you have no backup to use with
Automated System Recovery.
What it does: Reinstalls the operating system. You will then need to reinstall your
applications and restore your data files from backups.
Available on: All versions of Windows XP

D.M. RANASINGH BANDARA Page 7

 Choosing between NTFS, FAT, and
FAT32
You can choose between three file systems for disk partitions on a computer running
Windows XP: NTFS, FAT, and FAT32. Use the information below to compare the file systems.

NTFS is the recommended file system for the following reasons:

 NTFS is more powerful than FAT or FAT32, and includes features required for hosting
Active Directory as well as other important security features. You can use features such
as Active Directory and domain-based security only by choosing NTFS as your file
system.
 It is easy to convert partitions to NTFS. The Setup program makes conversion easy,
whether your partitions used FAT, FAT32, or the older version of NTFS. This kind of
conversion keeps your files intact (unlike formatting a partition). If you do not need to
keep your files intact and you have a FAT or FAT32 partition, it is recommended that
you format the partition with NTFS rather than convert from FAT or FAT32. Formatting
a partition erases all data on the partition and allows you to start with a clean drive.

Whether a partition is formatted with NTFS or converted using the convert command,
NTFS is the better choice of file system. For more information about Convert.exe, after
completing Setup, click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then press ENTER. In the
command window, type help convert and then press ENTER.

 In order to maintain access control on files and folders and support limited accounts, you
must use NTFS. If you use FAT32, all users will have access to all files on your hard
drive, regardless of their account type (administrator, limited, or standard.)
 NTFS is the file system that works best with large disks. (The next best file system for
large disks is FAT32.)

There is one situation in which you might want to choose FAT or FAT32 as your file system. If
it is necessary to have a computer that will sometimes run an earlier version of Windows and
other times run Windows XP, you will need to have a FAT or FAT32 partition as the primary (or
startup) partition on the hard disk. Most earlier versions of Windows cannot access a partition if
it uses the latest version of NTFS. The two exceptions are Windows 2000 and Windows NT 4.0
with Service Pack 4 or later. Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 4 or later has access to
partitions with the latest version of NTFS, but with some limitations: It cannot access files that
have been stored using NTFS features that did not exist when Windows NT 4.0 was released.

For anything other than a situation with multiple operating systems, however, the recommended
file system is NTFS.

Important

D.M. RANASINGH BANDARA Page 8

  Once you convert a drive or partition to NTFS, you cannot simply convert it back to FAT
or FAT32. You will need to reformat the drive or partition which will erase all data
including programs and personal files on the partition.

The following table describes the compatibility of each file system with various operating
systems.

NTFS FAT FAT32

A computer running Windows XP or
Access is available Access is available only through
Windows 2000 can access files on an
through MS-DOS, all Windows 95 OSR2,
NTFS partition. A computer running
versions of Windows, Windows 98,
Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 4
Windows NT, Windows Millennium Edition,
or later might be able to access some
Windows 2000, Windows 2000, and
files. Other operating systems allow
Windows XP, and OS/2. Windows XP.
no access.

The following table compares disk and file sizes possible with each file system.

NTFS FAT FAT32

Recommended minimum volume
Volumes from 512 MB to 2 TB.
size is approximately 10 megabytes Volumes from floppy disk
(MB). size up to 4 gigabytes
In Windows XP, you can format
(GB).
a FAT32 volume up to 32 GB
Volumes much larger than 2
only.
terabytes (TB) are possible. Does not support
domains.
Does not support domains.
Cannot be used on floppy disks.
File size limited only by size of Maximum file size is
Maximum file size is 4 GB.
volume. 2 GB.

Note

 Some older programs may not run on an NTFS volume, so you should research the
current requirements for your software before converting.

D.M. RANASINGH BANDARA Page 9