Installing as secondary OS 64-bit Windows XP without Windows 10 damage

[MIRKOSOFT]

Hi!

I want to install as secondary OS 64-bit Windows XP.
I have disks partitioned and want to place Windows XP partition on other physical disk than 10.
But I don’t want to overwrite master boot record (MBR).
So, Q is simple: How to eliminate master boot record overwritting?
Is enough to disable disk in BIOS or requires physically disconnect it?
Problem is that I’m using 5 SATA HDDs.

Thank you for each help.
Miro

[Antman]

Two simple options, not ruling out additional options…

1. Run XP in a VM.
2. Install XP on separate physical drive, use BIOS/UEFI boot drive selection menu to boot from XP drive.

[MIRKOSOFT]

I need to use XP for special hardware supported only for XP/2003. I’m using 64-bit Windows 10 - for this XP64.
VM works not with real hardware, no matter VBox or VMWare.
Ok, I’ll install simply on other drive, I was not sure if it overwrites MBR.
Miro

[Antman]

As asked, your question does not have a straight answer. It is possible that your Windows 10 PC does not have a disk with MBR.

You could post a report of your disk structure(s). Screenshot the Disk Management screen if you have no other option.

For a better grasp and to enable further discussion, please review this article:
What's the Difference Between GPT and MBR When Partitioning a Drive?

[MIRKOSOFT]

Hi!

Look at screenshot - my Windows 10 has MBR, look at.
So, what I have to do and what to do not?
Miro
Miro[ATTACH]551[/ATTACH]

[Antman]

Please standby. Take no action based on what you read below. DO NOTHING

jmarket This is why I need Advisor status. Please ping someone who will review the following:
On Disk0 (shown as Disk1), shrink Part1 or Part2; create 4th Primary?

[MIRKOSOFT]

I want to do this:
Disk 4 (Disk 3) - Part 4 (Part 3) = APPS > move files away and install XP there.
Is it ok?
Miro

[jmarket]

You know that to install another OS, the partition must be erased right?

Windows XP does not support GPT. The 64-bit version of XP supports GPT but only for data volumes, not for boot volumes. That means that in order to install Windows XP, you must erase the entire drive and format it as MBR.

What you’re trying to do can not be done without wiping the drive and formatting it to use a MBR.

[MIRKOSOFT]

I own software for GPT drive to MBR conversion… can it damage data? Really never tested. I know that it can recover partitions and many others, so tool I have, but Q is really important.

Miro

[Antman]

I want to do this:
Disk 4 (Disk 3) - Part 4 (Part 3) = APPS > move files away and install XP there.
Is it ok?
Miro

Why? edit: never mind.

jmarket
Looks like WindX is installed on the (sloppy) MBR Drive1.
Shrink some space.
Create 4th Primary partition
Install XP
Boot from WindX install media, Repair option (or other suitable tool, Macrium?) which would repair the MBR
Add entry in BCD for XP.

Result=
Dual boot WindX and XP from Disk1 MBR

[MIRKOSOFT]

Ok, I do it there, report results - I don’t have so much many time, I must to test few things how to add some solutions to XP.
Here’s late night or early moorning..so thank you for help now.
Miro

[Antman]

Ok, I do it there, report results - I don’t have so much many time, I must to test few things how to add some solutions to XP.
Here’s late night or early moorning..so thank you for help now.
Miro

You would be wise to NOT implement my suggestion without confirmation from another tech.

I am not very smart.

[Madmatt2006]

Out of interest what is the hardware you mention? “XP for special hardware supported only for XP/2003”

[MIRKOSOFT]

Hardware is not only for XP and 2003 - it’s up to XP/2003 - later not supported.
It’s Catweasel MK4 - floppy disk simulator for retrocomputing.
Miro

[Rustys]

Hardware is not only for XP and 2003 - it’s up to XP/2003 - later not supported.
It’s Catweasel MK4 - floppy disk simulator for retrocomputing.
Miro

Would a USB Floppy Drive accomplish the same thing?