Boot XP/Server 2008 from 2 Different Drives

Teletubby · 08-12-2009, 11:58 AM

Ok. I am studying towards my A+, MCSA, and maybe Network+ and I need some hands on experience with Server 2003/08.

I currently have a computer that is running XP, and I want to add another hard drive to that computer and install Server 2003/08 on it. I also want to be able to select which HDD/OS to boot into when I start my computer. I guess I could just change BIOS settings each time to select which HDD to boot from but that seems like a hassle. I was thinking I could edit the boot.ini file in XP to allow for the selection of an OS at startup, but I'm not sure if this will work or not. Do you guys see any foreseeable problems with this setup?

I want to buy the HDD today, but I need to make sure this will work first.

Btw, I know about VirtualBox, etc. but I don't want to run server 03/08 from within XP virtualized.

**TheOutcaste** · 08-12-2009, 05:25 PM

When you install Server 2003 it will automatically add itself to the Boot Menu as the Default OS, with XP and any other previous OSes listed below it.
Install Drive
Boot with Server 2003 disk
Install onto new drive
Update and configure

Teletubby · 08-12-2009, 05:56 PM

Just what I needed to know, thank you!

08-12-2009, 11:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
Teletubby Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 89 OS: Win xp	Boot XP/Server 2008 from 2 Different Drives Ok. I am studying towards my A+, MCSA, and maybe Network+ and I need some hands on experience with Server 2003/08. I currently have a computer that is running XP, and I want to add another hard drive to that computer and install Server 2003/08 on it. I also want to be able to select which HDD/OS to boot into when I start my computer. I guess I could just change BIOS settings each time to select which HDD to boot from but that seems like a hassle. I was thinking I could edit the boot.ini file in XP to allow for the selection of an OS at startup, but I'm not sure if this will work or not. Do you guys see any foreseeable problems with this setup? I want to buy the HDD today, but I need to make sure this will work first. Btw, I know about VirtualBox, etc. but I don't want to run server 03/08 from within XP virtualized. __________________ Currently working towards A+ and MCSA certification.

08-12-2009, 05:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheOutcaste TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 815 OS: MS-Dos 6.22 - Win7	Re: Boot XP/Server 2008 from 2 Different Drives When you install Server 2003 it will automatically add itself to the Boot Menu as the Default OS, with XP and any other previous OSes listed below it. Install Drive Boot with Server 2003 disk Install onto new drive Update and configure __________________ Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Of course I know all the answers; I just don't always match the answers to the right questions. Rated R for Violence -- When your PC flies through a window, that's violent, right?

08-12-2009, 05:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Teletubby Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 89 OS: Win xp	Re: Boot XP/Server 2008 from 2 Different Drives Just what I needed to know, thank you! __________________ Currently working towards A+ and MCSA certification.