Looking for help regarding an XP/98 dual boot configuration

[scavengertype]

Here's what I want to do:

I want a dual boot setup with XP and 98. I will use XP 98% of the time, but I also want 98 so I can run Pro Tools Free. I would like XP to run as if the 98 partition wasn't even there, I would possibly even hide the drive in XP.

I know this: 98 MUST be on the first partition (FAT32), or C:.
I can install XP on the 2nd partition(NTFS), but it's boot sector will be on the 1st partition with 98.

Here's why a regular dual boot sucks: Everytime I install a program to XP, it's going to default install to the C: drive, which is the 98 drive. Not only is it annoying to have to change the drive letter everytime, but programs that autoinstall will install on the C drive. My main reason for reinstalling is that I had a partitioned drive before (OS on one partition, apps and files on the other---don't ask) and it caused my soundcard (Audigy2) drivers and software to get fouled up when they installed---I think some went on one drive, and some on the other, and my soundcard utilities and software never have worked right.

I have tried Partition Magic 8 and Boot Magic, couldn't figure it out with them, either.

Is there a way to trick the system, so when it boots to XP it doesn't even see the other partition, and vice versa?? Or do I have another option?

Thanks.

[-Anders]

You can change the default install path somewhere in the registration databse. I'm not sure where though.
Try looking it up on www.regedit.com

[scavengertype]

Thanks for the suggestion.
I hesitate to do that because I tried it with my previous config and it royally screwed it up untill I changed it back. Perhaps I did something wrong though.
Thought there might be another way.

[guthmund]

I'm kind of a control freak about where programs install and always want to know where it's going. But that's just me and I'm kind of compulsive about it.....

Anyway, this is the first thing I found that seemed to suit the problem. It's a simple registry edit in XP. If you're worried about messing up (believe me, I understand) then you can export your original registry to save it using regedit and restore it if you need to, or you can use system restore.

I hope this is what you're talking about.....

http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/1137/

I think if you simply change the "C:blahblahblah" on under the "value data" keys to "D:blahblahblah" it'll do what you want.

Good Luck

[Zegel]

Well, if you're not going to be using the 98 partition too often, theres an easy and clean way to do it =P. Get another HD, throw it in there, and install 98 on it. Disable that drive in bios when you're not using it. When you want to use it, disable the XP drive and enable the 98 drive. Takes all of 10 seconds in bios each time you need to switch.

I know, its not slick - but it works =P

[meembo]

xp powertoys can change the default location of any of the default special folders (Favorites, My Documents, Program Files, etc) but it doesn't hide the offending partition (the Win98 partition, in your case. I'll bet the XP PowerToys will do what you basically need. They are right here