Installing multiple OS

[cdapp]

Please anyone I need help.

I currently have windows xp home edition on my computer, I am planning on adding XP proffesional and server 2003 on the same computer. I understand I need to partition my hard drive. I am new to this how can I get get started. The availabel same on my hard drive is 149GB.

thanks

 

[bcastner]

First, there is absolutely no reason to use both XP Home and XP Pro.

Second, Windows 2003 is a server OS, and makes a lousy client.

You can do what you want, but let me suggest some changes in your plan:

. The "traditional" way:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306559&sd=tech

. The suggested way -- Use Virtual PC
Start with this, as you have a free trial:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/default.mspx

Note: the official documentation will not list support for Windows 2003. It works fine.

 

[cdapp]

Thank you very much I think I will go with your suggested way by using the virtual pc. Since it is not neccesay to have xp home, and proffesional, how do i get rid of xp home. because i rather have xp proffesional.

thanks

 

[bcastner]

Purchase a retail version of XP Pro, or the Upgrade. Either one will serve.

Then, use the upgrade option.
While a thousand people will swear to you only a clean install will do, it is rare that the upgrade does not work from XP Home to Pro without issue.

 

[cdapp]

I already have XP proffesional, and server 2003.

if I use the the upgrade option, i recall i will not get the opportunity to partition my hard for the server 2003.


so my question is after the upgrade, when will the server 2003, and virtual pc come in.

thanks

 

[bcastner]

The instructions come with Virtual PC 2004, but essentially you want to have some reserved hard disk space for the new partitions.

Leave your system with just XP Pro, install Virtual PC, and then add the subsequent images you desire.

 

[cdapp]

If I understand you properly on what you are saying. just simple upgrade to proffesional, then install virtual pc 2004 , then virtual pc 2004 will instruct my on how to install server 2003.

thanks

 

[bcastner]

Yes, (though make sure you install the Service Pack for Virual PC first thing).

Pictures and description of the process:

http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Microsoft-Virtual-PC.html

 

[cdapp]

Thank you very much for your help. I can't imagine how this configuration would have turned out so badly. i have realized the usefulness of being part of a forum.

 

[bcastner]

There is also a great microsoft newsgroup:
microsoft.public.virtualpc

These guys & gals know just about everything.

 

[linney]

The first thing after installing Virtual PC and then its Service Pack is to make sure you install the Virtual Machine Additions into the Guest Operating System after you have installed the Guest. If you don't do this things will be a bit slow and flaky with your Guest Operating System.

The only limitation with Virtual PC is it can only read CD's not write to them.

 

[cdapp]

Thank for response, what it is the virtual machine additions? is the guest os the os i will be adding on to my existing one? and will I have to install the virtual machine additions on each guest i put on my os.

thanks

 

[linney]

Guest is any operating system you add via Virtual PC to your current operating system (Host).

Virtual Machine Additions is installed from the Virtual PC program into the Guest Operating System as a selected (and recommended) option. You should install this option into every Guest.

Also I forgot to mention there is no USB support in Virtual PC.

http://www.robertmoir.co.uk/win/VirtualPC2004FAQ.html

 

[cdapp]

thanks for your help

 

[pcdoc4christ]

cdapp:

Virtual PC is cool, but it's not free forever! Eventually you will be required to fork out $100.00 (i think that's Microsoft's price, now).

If you want to install XP Pro & Server 2003, the XP installation CD will walk you through the process of deleting the current partition, creating a smaller new partition (just leave enough room for a second partition for Server 2003), & formatting the new partition (choose the NTFS file system). If this is what you decide to do, you would choose a clean install, instead of an upgrade, so you have a partition set aside on which to install Server 2003.

But before you install Server 2003, i'd suggest installing Service Pack 2 for XP Pro, using Windows update, or using the free SP 2 CD you may order from Microsoft. Once you get that done, just boot to XP Pro & pop in the Server 2003 CD. It will check your hardware & copy some files & then ask you where to install. All you have to do is choose the unpartitioned space, then choose the NTFS file system, & you're in business!

After that, whenever you power up your PC, the BOOT.INI will present you with a menu giving you the choice of either booting to Windows XP Professional or Windows Server 2003.

However, if i could aford it, i'd just use Virtual PC 'cause i could then install as many OSes as my HDD could hold. It's your call.

Regards,
Doc

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"Freely you have received, freely give." --Jesus

pcdoc4christ@yahoo.com