How keep DOS as partition C with dual-boot DOS & Windows 7 ?

[skyryder]

Hi!
I installed DOS into 2GB FAT 16, then installed Windows 7 Ultimate expecting W7 to install itself in a partition with a drive letter other than C (just as XP had done in a previous dual-boot setting with DOS) But no, W7 has hijacked the C drive letter for itself.
How can I stop W7 from "stealing" from DOS, the drive letter C, for itself?

 

[Ztruker]

I have to ask! Why do you need or want DOS? If it's for some apps then there is Oracle Virtual Box which runs under Windows 7 or even DOSBOX.

 

[skyryder]

No, not for running "legacy" apps. This for me is an extra layer of security for instances where malware - or similar - assumes my OS in on drive C, and comes up empty handed 'cos it's someplace else. I also get some delight in seeing - and more practically, filtering out - some badly written software that assumes it knows better than I where my OS resides

 

[boyans]

You can install an OS (Windows 7) while running another OS (could be Windows 7 again).
This installation will receive another drive letter (not "c") for its "home" drive.

To install this way you should have a free partition (drive d: or e: or...) for the installation and run setup.exe found on installation media while booted to any Windows OS.

Usually people have problems later using this way of installation (confusion with drive letter c: not being assigned to home drive).

Security is always an issue but there is antivirus software, firewalls etc.

 

[gregrocker]

Win7 always sees itself as C when correctly installed at boot. if you want to use the incorrect method then it will have to be installed from another booted OS.

 

[skyryder]

Thank you boyens! and thank you gregrocker!

So for next time I would first install a minimal XP, then go on and install W7 from WITHIN XP.

As for the question of security, I use the "layer" philosophy; so I have AV, separate firewall, etc and this decoying to a C: that has only DOS62 - (with its three NT boot-related files) - is just another layer.

Thanks again people!

casey