Special reformat OS install scenario

[Is]

My PC has two partitions and it is a dual-boot system - one partition has XP Pro and the other has 98SE. The XP Partition can see both partitions, the 98 partition can only see it's own. That is how I like it. Now, I want do do a reformat on the XP Pro partition (reinstalling XP Pro afterwards) without disturbing the 98SE partition. How do I go about doing this?

 

[KarenMarie]

Not sure, but shouldnt you be able to do this from FDisk?

 

[hopejr]

Which partition is windows 98 on, the first or second? If 98 is on the first one, then formatting the xp partition won't cause any problems. In fact, the boot loader for xp will still be there.
If win98 is on the second partition (which I doubt, as it would've had to have been the first one installed due to the fact that it's boot loader can't dual boot), then you'll need to copy bootsect.dos and record the settings in boot.ini (on cso that you can boot into win98 when you're finished reinstalling xp.

 

[S0Y73NTGR33N]

Originally posted by: hopejr
Which partition is windows 98 on, the first or second? If 98 is on the first one, then formatting the xp partition won't cause any problems. In fact, the boot loader for xp will still be there.
If win98 is on the second partition (which I doubt, as it would've had to have been the first one installed due to the fact that it's boot loader can't dual boot), then you'll need to copy bootsect.dos and record the settings in boot.ini (on cso that you can boot into win98 when you're finished reinstalling xp.

good stuff!

 

[jbfstplk]

Agreed! The boot CD will ask you what partition you want to delete, create, and format. Then it will install on that partion. It will leave the Win98 partition alone (if you are careful not to mess with it). It would be very unusual to find a Win98 partion on the second one, although with PQMagic, I have done it.

Joe