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Installing Windows 2000 after Windows XP SP2

Anonymous
2011-01-22T06:27:44+00:00

i have a laptop that doesnt have a built in cd-rom. the cd drive is connected to the computer via usb slot. how do i install Windows 2000 in a different partition? ive tried running winnt.exe and winnt32.exe in Windows XP SP2 but it says that since Windows 2000 is an older version i cant install it. im not installing it in the same partition. ive tried booting the installation disk first, but that option (and also the floppy drive option) in the boot sequence in BIOS is missing. how do i get around this problem of installing windows 2000? i would like to have a choice on what OS to load.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-01-22T22:39:18+00:00

    Before you begin make a backup copy of the system files ntldr and NTDETECT.COM , these files are in the root of the System drive, (usually C:).  When Windows 2000 installs itself it will replace the Windows XP version of these system files with its own earlier version.  The Windows 2000 version of the files cannot boot the newer Windows XP operating system, the Windows XP version can boot the older Windows 2000.  After Windows 2000 is installed you can just copy the XP verision of the files back to their C:\ location, you will then be able to boot both operating systems.

    To copy the Windows 2000 setup files and launch the setup program use the /makelocalsource switch, launch the command at a Command Prompt:

    X:\i386\winnt32 /makelocalsource

    where X is the drive letter of the CD-ROM drive, the setup program will then prompt you through the rest.  Pay attention to the location of the Setup files in the default setup options (Advanced Options).  After the files are copied the computer will reboot and you will be able to cleanly install Windows 2000 on the partition of your choice.  The setup program will automatically add the Windows 2000 installation to the boot.ini file and you will be presented with a dual boot menu when the computer boots up.

    To get help on the winnt32.exe command use the /? switch:

    X:\i386\winnt32 /?

    John

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-01-22T09:40:43+00:00

    Can I ask what your purpose is in wanting Windows 2000 in the first place? I can't think that any business might still be using it, it's insecure and it went out of ALL support in July last year, so no more security updates.

    I can't think of any reason at all to still use it....

    If you REALLY want to dabble in it, you must format the disk, install W2K first and then XP. The fact that they are on different partitions makes no difference - it's the MBR that is the limiting factor.

    And further more, you are running a completely insecure version of XP. You will have had NO security updates since July las year because you haven't installed SP3. I really really hope you aren;'t connecting to the internet with this machine...

    If you find my response helpful, please click on the "Vote as Helpful" button!Thank you!

    My Windows Blog

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-01-22T12:44:11+00:00

    Building a Windows 2000-Windows XP Dual-Boot System (This is the proper method as Gordon posted)

    http://www.win.net/optimator/WinWiz/Tips/DualBoot.htm

    Trying to set up Dual boot Windows XP & Windows 2000 (read this post and the threads about the issue with ntldr and a possible workaround if XP is install as the first OS)

    http://forums.techarena.in/windows-xp-support/894177.htm

    JS

    http://www.pagestart.com

    Never be afraid to ask. This forum has some of the best people in the world available to help.

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