Best way to set up IDE controller w/dual-boot?

[adkmom]

Hi all-

I'm hoping that someone here may have done this & can pass on their wisdom?

Dual-boot w/Win98SE & Win2000Pro.

Adding a Promise IDE controller to speed up transfers.

The manual has different set-ups for these two op. systems.

Can anyone help out?

Thanks!

Mom

 

[cdogg]

What specifically is different about the setups in the manual? Are we talking about one hard drive or two?

Assuming that the settings in the manual refer to the initial boot, you'll probably want to configure it for Win98SE if you have to choose one. This is because the main boot sector will be configured for Win98SE, since you'll install that one first followed by Win2K. Win2K will recognize the Win98SE partition and offer to install on a separate partition keeping 98SE in-tact.

Perhaps someone that uses a Promise IDE controller can weigh in a little more from experience...


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[adkmom]

Hi cdogg-

This is going into an existing set-up-- that's where things get a bit tricky. Naturally, there's nothing about this on Promise's site & I won't hold my breath that I'll hear back from them via email.

It's one, 100GB HD- Win98SE-on C; W2K- D; E-J are separate partitions. I also intend to hook up my DVD-ROM as well as my Plextor burner (HD's on primary master, CD/DVD on the secondary line).

Manual says for existing 2000 to install the card W/O hooking into it, let Windows see it, load the drivers for it, then shutdown & actually connect to the card.

For existing Win98, it reads:
"after installing the controller card card & configuring the HD's, power up & boot Windows."
Goes on to say a wizard will run- point it to the A drive to load the drivers for 98.

Anyhow- I'm just at a loss as to what to do here. I should say that I have a choice at boot-up between booting to 98 or 2000. I'm not sure exactly how to proceed. Obviously, I'll do a big backup of all my stuff beforehand- but I'd sure hate to hose a very sweet, stable set-up!

Thanks for your time & thoughts on this,

Mom

 

[cdogg]

Well, from the sound of it, you should be able to install it under both operating systems. The only difference is the driver. When you follow the instructions for Win98SE, it will load a compatible driver. Then, after you run it on Win2K, another driver will be loaded. As you probably already know, both drivers will run independent of each other and the card won't know the difference. Once you select which OS at bootup, the driver from that OS will load.

I'm sure this isn't news to you, but hopefully it will reinforce what you already suspected. Let me know what you find out...


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[adkmom]

Yeah, you're right,

I do have the idea. It's the point of the order that bothers me the most. Uncharted, undocumented territory (yet again).

On the one hand- seems I should plug in the card, dont' connect, do the 2000 driver install. Then connect & run the 98 install. Otherwise, I'd have to disconnect all to run the 2000 since it cannot be connected to the card until the driver is in.

Other hand is "always load the oldest to newest op. sys."

Think I'll go with the first & cross my fingers. That should be the tech logo- crossed fingers- ha!

Can't believe with all of the dual-booted systems around that Promise hasn't addressed this in their FAQ's?

Hey, thanks for the ear- much appreciated,
Mom