Triple boot problems

[bevills1]

Running Win98se/Win2k/WinXP triple boot system problems are encountered booting Win2k and WinXP with no Win98se issues. After booting to Win2k and restart WinXP, it does a check of the last disk on the system, finds and corrects errors. Likewise booting Win2k after closing WinXP, Win2k checks, finds and corrects errors on the last drive. The problem recurs as Win2k and WinXP are alternately booted.

This has twice resulted in WinXP becoming unbootable, requiring reinstall to fix it, and it won't surprise me if it happens again. It's as if Win2k and WinXP are writing something to the last disk which is seen by the other OS as errors and corrects it for the OS booted. I've done some searches for the problem but have found no similar problems via Google search. Has anybody experienced such problems and/or know if there's a fix?

[jimmalenko]

Dual boots are bad enough with a distinct order of installs being mandatory due to certain OSes wanting to write (and overwrite) boot sectors. Interested to know why you need the 3 OSes on the one box ?

[jman98]

Really really strongly agree with jimmalenko here. Triple boot?!? Ay yi yi!

Maybe you should consider VMware instead. Maybe you have some old software that requires Win98se, maybe, but I'm finding it difficult to think of anything that would require Win2K instead of WinXP. I'd advise simply installing WinXP and running Win98se in a VM (virtual machine) as needed if you really have to do this. It's significantly easier to deal with VMs instead of dual boot or triple boot systems these days.

[AlanHK]

I'd guess something to do with cache files, like pagefile.sys.

They probably shouldn't share these. Do they have separate ones: there is a setting to select the location, overriding the default.

[bevills1]

I've been running Win2k/Win98se dual boot with no problems, and I wanted to try WinXP to see if I like it and if there may be any unforeseen problems running WinXP. I plan to switch from Win2k to WinXP if there are no issues or loss of functionality. I keep Win98se to run some older apps.

Both Win2k and WinXP are set to clear pagefile at shutdown, and I wouldn't think pagefile should be an issue.

[Dv8ted2]

Switch to XP - Get rid of Win2k and run 98 in a virtual computer. Problems solved!!

[Seeker47]

I've run multi-boot systems since at least 1997. There are pitfalls and gotchas that one should learn about, in order to avoid them. (And your backup regimen becomes a lot more complicated and more critical.) As time goes on, I'm thinking it is less worth the trouble, and that VMs may be the best way to go from here on out. That said, for a user who really desires keeping separate OSes as boot options, it is probably better to do so via a capable "manager" program like System Commander or Acronis OS Selector. They should have ways of keeping the OSes from clobbering each other, which don't require continual hands-on expertise from you.

[jman98]

Keeping multi-boot systems mostly is because of 2 old problems that are essentially obsolete now. One was the cost of VMware, but VMware now offers free servers that work fine for home users. The other was not having enough CPU and memory to run VMs effectively, but with any modern multi-core CPU, that's no longer a problem (assuming that you didn't skimp on memory that is).

[bevills1]

I think System Commander or Acronis OS Selector might help if there were issues booting multiple OSs, but the problems arise after the OSs boot for which I doubt there'd be any benefit.

The Dv8ted2 suggestion is precisely what I planned to do after running WinXP for a while first to be sure no significant issues are encountered. It should only take a couple of weeks to determine that, and I may just tolerate the problem until then.

[Dv8ted2]

There is no reason for your hesitation. What works on 2k will work on XP. Dump 2k.

[AlanHK]

There is no reason for your hesitation. What works on 2k will work on XP. Dump 2k.

And vice versa -- I run 2k and have never found any XP software that won't run.
I'm sure there are such, though.

[bevills1]

I've encountered a number of software programs that won't even install in Win2k and give message that WinXP is required. IE versions past IE6 are also not supported in Win2k.

I encountered quite some difficulty getting Shockwave Flash installed for Mozilla Seamonkey in WinXP which was pretty easy in Win2k. That's the only WinXP problem encountered so far, but I want to be sure there aren't any more serious issues. In addition I have problems with IE7 failing to load about half the time, but that's an IE7 issue not a WinXP issue.

[Dv8ted2]

I've encountered a number of software programs that won't even install in Win2k and give message that WinXP is required. IE versions past IE6 are also not supported in Win2k.

I encountered quite some difficulty getting Shockwave Flash installed for Mozilla Seamonkey in WinXP which was pretty easy in Win2k. That's the only WinXP problem encountered so far, but I want to be sure there aren't any more serious issues. In addition I have problems with IE7 failing to load about half the time, but that's an IE7 issue not a WinXP issue.

We have given you ways to alleviate your triple boot problem. If you are not willing to follow our advice, what is the point of this thread?

[AlanHK]

IE versions past IE6 are also not supported in Win2k.

Good -- I never, ever use that, or want to, on any machine I have control over.

Firefox and Opera cover everything (so far).
Most sites that "require IE" will work if you just set the browser ID to say that it is.

Anyway, up to you.

[jollyjohn]

Running Win98se/Win2k/WinXP triple boot. WHY???

[bevills1]

Why was answered in my Jul 17 post. However, it appears I may have to replace Win2k eventually because Win2k updates should cease some time next year according to http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=208800494, i.e. if I want to continue to get security updates. I've been using Win2k for all internet activity and using Win98se only for older programs, and it seems a good idea to switch to WinXP before Win2k support stops.

[Dv8ted2]

You still haven't answered my question. If you are not going to take steps to get rid of your triple boot problem, then why did you start this thread?

[AlanHK]

Why was answered in my Jul 17 post. However, it appears I may have to replace Win2k eventually because Win2k updates should cease some time next year according to http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=208800494, i.e. if I want to continue to get security updates. I've been using Win2k for all internet activity and using Win98se only for older programs, and it seems a good idea to switch to WinXP before Win2k support stops.

I don't think MS has updated anything for Win2k for years.

Anyway, as far as security goes, I use a 3rd party browser and firewall. I personally don't bother with anti-virus, I just practise safe browsing, but there are plenty of choices there too. Whatever vulnerabilities are in the OS are never exposed. It doesn't matter much about MS patches on that front. Eventually lack of hardware support might force the issue, but no problems so far.

[Dv8ted2]

You could also use compatibility mode in XP and get rid of 2k.

[Dv8ted2]

Why was answered in my Jul 17 post. However, it appears I may have to replace Win2k eventually because Win2k updates should cease some time next year according to http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=208800494, i.e. if I want to continue to get security updates. I've been using Win2k for all internet activity and using Win98se only for older programs, and it seems a good idea to switch to WinXP before Win2k support stops.

I don't think MS has updated anything for Win2k for years.

Anyway, as far as security goes, I use a 3rd party browser and firewall. I personally don't bother with anti-virus, I just practise safe browsing, but there are plenty of choices there too. Whatever vulnerabilities are in the OS are never exposed. It doesn't matter much about MS patches on that front. Eventually lack of hardware support might force the issue, but no problems so far.

It does matter about the patches and the holes in the OS. Once the payload is on the computer, the firewall will not protect you. Running without an antivirus client is also not smart. It is good to use defense in layers. You must approach from the aspect that your computer or network will get attacked. That means you are better prepared to ward off attacks.

Unless you are in the information security field, please do not talk on the subject. Holes in the OS are always exposed. That is why we had attacks, such as Blaster, Welchia, Conficker and so forth...

[AlanHK]

Once the payload is on the computer, the firewall will not protect you.

And equally obviously, if you put your hand in a flame it will burn.

Unless you are in the information security field, please do not talk on the subject. Holes in the OS are always exposed. That is why we had attacks, such as Blaster, Welchia, and so forth...

I'll talk on this subject as much as I like, and do not require your permission to do so.
I've been using computers since punch cards in the 70s, and never had a virus infection. So really, back off.

[Dv8ted2]

Once the payload is on the computer, the firewall will not protect you.

And equally obviously, if you put your hand in a flame it will burn.

Unless you are in the information security field, please do not talk on the subject. Holes in the OS are always exposed. That is why we had attacks, such as Blaster, Welchia, and so forth...

I'll talk on this subject as much as I like, and do not require your permission to do so.
I've been using computers since punch cards in the 70s, and never had a virus infection. So really, back off.

I am not trying to argue with you, and it has nothing to do with punch cards. I am telling you that your approach is wrong, and you are spreading false information. Conficker affected 2k, and other windows operating systems, and was taking advantage of a hole in the OS, thus blowing your statement to pieces.

"How bad has it gotten? Estimates range from 3.5 million infected in the first four days after it began spreading to 9 million impacted... and getting worse" - source

You are also failing to differentiate between a virus and a worm.

That proves my point.

[bacardi/avt]

If you like to run a multiboot system this might be a good thing http://www.efi-x.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130&language=English

I saw this on Tekzilla last week http://revision3.com/tekzilla/satadock

Looks like a good way of doing a multiboot sytem that will work OK!

[AlanHK]

I am telling you that your approach is wrong, .

Don't tell me anything.

I'm not interested in your rudely expressed opinions.

[Dv8ted2]

I am telling you that your approach is wrong, .

Don't tell me anything.

I'm not interested in your rudely expressed opinions.

I am not trying to be rude, by any means, but you are spreading false information. FTR, my experience rivals yours, but throwing around years computing have squat to do with information security. Punchcards have nothing to do with worms, botnets, trojan horses...You get my point.

You do not ask a butcher to fix your Lamborghini engine any more than you would ask a doctor to connect your home theater equipment. Every one has a purpose and certain knowledge. If you ran across anyone giving incorrect information, you would normally call them on it.

I am not your enemy, despite your belief. I am nicely asking you to leave security to people(like me) who work in that part of the umbrella.

[pepegot1]

Dump Win 98SE

[bevills1]

Dv8ted2, I'd hoped somebody may have experienced the same kind of problems and knew a fix which doesn't seem to be the case. I really don't need to fix the problems now since I've learned about soon to be dropped Win2k support will necessitate the need to upgrade to WinXP.

Running any OS without firewall or anti-virus is at one's on peril and asking for trouble in my experience. I once acquired a virus by turning off Zonealarm just for a minute or so at the request of an ISP tech while trouble shooting a connection problem, and Zonealarm wasn't the cause of the connection problem either. I've since refused such requests to disable protection and will continue to do so due to that experience.

[stiltman]

bevills1, I've run across a few programs designed for Win9x and wouldn't load at all under XP, this is on a clean install of XP.

I was able to do upgrades from 9x to 2k to XP and made them work....Yeah, all DOS based menu driven programs.

I also still run 2k on one of my systems, as there was no need to upgrade it to run anything else. However, lately I've run across a few programs that I wanted to install on my 2k system but couldn't as it needed XP, so I only have them on my XP systems.

I'm now going to upgrade my 2k system just for a few programs, but at least I wont have a 9-10 year old OS...I'll upgrade it to a 8-9 year old OS

[AlanHK]

I am not trying to be rude, by any means,

Nevertheless, you're doing an excellent job of it.

You do not ask a butcher to fix your Lamborghini engine

What the hell is that if not a studied insult.


Give your opinions as you like.
But DO NOT keep disparaging me, telling me not to post.

If you had not been so bloody patronising and implying that I'm an idiot I might have explained my position. But I will not spend any more time on you with your obnoxious attitude.

but you are spreading false information.

My methods work, for me.
I disabled Netbios and autorun years ago because I don't need them and they were potentially dangerous.
So I don't care how many idiots get Conficker or whatever.

That "proves" only that the world is full of idiots.

You are in breach of the forum rules and are being issued with a formal warning.
/ Moderator Baldrick

[Dv8ted2]

I am not trying to be rude, by any means,

Nevertheless, you're doing an excellent job of it.

You do not ask a butcher to fix your Lamborghini engine

What the hell is that if not a studied insult.


Give your opinions as you like.
But DO NOT keep disparaging me, telling me not to post.

If you had not been so bloody patronising and implying that I'm an idiot I might have explained my position. But I will not spend any more time on you with your obnoxious attitude.

but you are spreading false information.

My methods work, for me.
I disabled Netbios and autorun years ago because I don't need them and they were potentially dangerous.
So I don't care how many idiots get Conficker or whatever.

That "proves" only that the world is full of idiots.

You have misunderstood me. I am not saying you are an idiot. I am merely stating that by giving false information, you make my job and others in my field more difficult. I am saying you are talking about a subject that you are not qualified to comment on.

You are in breach of the forum rules and are being issued with a formal warning.
/ Moderator Baldrick