hi All,

I've a working custom built Desktop PC with Win XP Pro running without any issues. My 80GB HDD is partitioned into 4 partitions of 20GB each. Now i'm curious to know whether I can install Windows 2000 Server, so as to make it a dual booting system.
Someone told me that I cant do so and I verified the MSknowledge base and I found out that I cant do so. As the latest OS is to be installed Last.

Moreover, I was told one way that I can install W2k Server on the existing partition but it would corrupt the XP file system but I can work around by using the repair option in the XP install CD after the W2k Server has been installed. Is this true??

If the above points are wrong then how can I work around it???

Then can I install W2k3 Server on the XP Pro as MS said Latest Last??? I'm trying to download an evaluation copy of 2003 Server. If yes, then can u give me step by step procedure so that I can install without issues.

Thnx in advance.

Curlyben

You CAN install either 2k server or 2k3 as long as its on a seperate partition.

My box at work is setup just like this, the only difference is the OS's are on seperate physical drives rather than partitions.

Works like a dream.

StuMegu

I agree, the original reason for installing the latest OS last was usuallly to deal with the win9x operating systems, but it is a good rule of thumb as newer operating systems will understand how the previous ones installed and not vice versa.


Don't install two operating systems to the same partition whatever you do - it will only end in tears even if you manage it.

saivstech

I do understand but i woouldnt install W2K/3 Server in the same partition, instead in the D drive as in C drive XP is already installed. As I have C:,D:,E:,F: partitions. Cant I install W2k/3 in the D drive?? And use the repair option to repair XP after installing W2k/3??

Curlyben

W2k3 on D: will work fine.
To answer the last part, there is NO need to do a repair on your XP install.