Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: Oh_dear on July 28, 2009, 04:39:04 AM

Title: If I have two operating systems on two seperate drives
Post by: Oh_dear on July 28, 2009, 04:39:04 AM

I posted a topic similar to this earlier but it was on the wrong board and I probably didn't ask my question properly. OK here's my question: I have two operating systems installed on two separate drives, Vista Home Premium on the C drive was installed by default, but I downgraded to XP SP2 and I installed it's contents to my H drive and at the moment currently using XP. Is it actually possible to change at will between the two operating systems?

Title: Re: If I have two operating systems on two seperate drives
Post by: Salmon Trout on July 28, 2009, 05:07:32 AM

Change boot order in BIOS

Title: Re: If I have two operating systems on two seperate drives
Post by: Oh_dear on July 28, 2009, 05:11:43 AM

How do you get into the BIOS exactly, it doesn't give me an indication when I start up of which keys to press. I turn it on and the Dell Inspiron loading screen comes up then a black screen the Windows XP loading screen comes up, then it gets to the login screen.

Title: Re: If I have two operating systems on two seperate drives
Post by: patio on July 28, 2009, 05:37:51 AM

I believe it's F2 for Dells or delete...

Title: Re: If I have two operating systems on two seperate drives
Post by: squall_01 on July 28, 2009, 05:40:30 AM

yes you would have to change the boot.ini though.

Title: Re: If I have two operating systems on two seperate drives
Post by: Oh_dear on July 28, 2009, 05:50:54 AM

OK so I've gotten to the setup screen when I pressed F2. So I have to change some stuff from the boot.ini. What exactly do I have to change and after that what exactly do I do at the setup screen. I'm really bad with these sorts of functions.

Title: Re: If I have two operating systems on two seperate drives
Post by: squall_01 on July 28, 2009, 06:05:26 AM

he's haveing you switch drives which wont give you a selection.  Its the easiest but try this an you'll be able to select which one. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289022