Windows XP, Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 9xMe

Windows XP, Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 9x/Me

Although it might be uncommon, it is possible to create a setup using all three of these operating systems. Take the following approach:

1.

Create three partitions (or four if you want a separate data partition). You can create these partitions on one or two hard drives.

2.

If you decide you want a data partition, make it FAT16 because NT 4.0 can't see FAT32. FAT16 is the one common denominator. See Table 31.4 for a suggested layout. As you can see from the table, we're suggesting using FAT16 for all the partitions to ensure maximum compatibility and the least amount of drive letter shifting.

Table 31.4. Booting Windows XP, NT 4.0, and Windows 9x

Partition #	Operating System	Format	Notes
Partition 1	Windows 95 OSR2 Windows 98 or Windows Me	FAT16	Can use FAT32 if you don't mind this partition not being seen by NT 4.0.
Partition 2	Optional Data Partition	FAT16	We've put it second so its drive letter says the same under all 3 OSes.
Partition 3	Windows NT 4.0 SP4 or later	FAT16	Can use NTFS if you are aware of the consequences.
Partition 4	Windows XP	NTFS

3.

Install Windows 9x/Me in the first partition. If asked whether you want to upgrade to FAT32, say no unless you don't mind having the first partition invisible to Windows NT 4.0.

4.

Install Windows NT in the third partition and upgrade it to at least Service Pack 4. This system will dual-boot. Check it to see that it works acceptably.

5.

Install Windows XP in New Installation mode, into the last partition. This should add the third operating system to the boot loader.

6.

Format the data partition however you like. Remember that for maximum compatibility between all three operating systems, you'll want to use FAT16.

When you're finished, the Windows XP boot loader will give you the option of booting into each of the three operating systems. Remember to heed the cautions explained earlier in this chapter regarding sharing data and applications between operating systems.

NOTE

You can't multiboot more than one version of Windows 95, 98, and Me even if they're on different partitions. The only way to have more than one Windows 9x on a single machine is with a third-party boot manager such as BootMagic or System Commander. (See the section "Tips from the Windows Pros: Living with More Than One OS," at the end of this chapter.)