Multi independant boot's

Hello,

I'd like to have a multi independant boot with my acer computer.
I explain myself.

I install the first os on my hdd, so this partition is active. C:\
From this partition i build a second one, and i active it. So i've got a d:\
I reboot my computer, install the second os on d:\

When i start my computer, he runs d:\ cause this partition is active, if i want to use the first one, i just need to active the partition in the "' disk management setting "'.

Now i've got a multi boot independant.

On my acer computer, threre is an eisa partition ( hidden ). I formatte it, install a third OS, and i don't forget to active the partition to use it. I've got e:\
The good new is that, when i hit the F10 during the boot start mode, this os runs, even if i use an other one.


Why i've chosen this install method, and not a normal multiboot with Gag or Vistabootpro, like that i have 3 normal boot, and if one crash i can use again my computer without troubles.

So my question is.

Is it possible to give a F key for the 2 others OS ?
Like that it'll be more fun to use my computer and jump from the 1st os to an other one, during the start boot mode.

labougie

Anthony said:

Do you have 3 hard drives??

Hello,

i've got 4 hdd's, yes, but the eisa is on the same as C:\

labougie

hello, up, thanks, labougie,

Hi Labougle,

I do a similar thing.

I do it the other way round.

I install the o/s in the usual way with the first partition marked as active.

Then copy the boot files onto the other partitions.

If I wish, I can set any partition as active and boot through it.

You could pick one partition which uses bootmgr, eg Vista or 7. Mark it Active. Add the other o/s to bcd.

Then you will get all three o/s displayed on the boot menu.

Use the Arrow key and Enter to select one.

I don't know a way of assigning just one key to use instead of Arrow and Enter.

Hope it helps

Hi siw,

Thanks for your answer.

My main problem is to have the possibility to chose the os with a F key.

During the boot sequence, i hit the F key, and like that i can chosen my os. I'm looking for these tips who can help me and other to start directly on the os you want, without a normal multiboot, ( a normal multiboot show you 3 lines for you os, and you'll have just to select the good one ).

I don't know if my question is about a bios section, or just at the beginning of the Hdd start.
All the Eisa partition have a F key.
What kind of secret behind this F key ? This is my real question.

And, when the release will be done, i've just stick the F key with, for example : Vista, 7, or XP.

I think it's a good way to use and find easely you os.

Thanks a lot for have readen.

labougie

I cannot help you although I do understand what you require!
You wake up switch on your computer and say what system do I want today
John? F1 For Vista F2 for Wn7 etc etc
Good Idea but I do not know how to assign the F keys I hope someone
can help you

best

barney

Hi barney,

The most important thing is to know how an hidden Eisa partition is made.

If someone knows that, it'll be simple ( i think ) to build an F key.

My english is not so good enough to read most of english web sites. So, if one of you, know how to build an Eisa Partition, we will have a part of the solution.

labougie,

With my Motherboard and Bios I can hit f8 at boot and it gives me a boot selection screen. Difference is that I have 3 Independent hard drives.