Sometimes users like to try a new operating system and keep the old operating system loaded with the new operating system installed too. If Windows XP is installed on an NTFS partition, only Windows 2000 and NT Workstation (with Service Pack 4 or higher) can access the XP partition. In the situation where Windows XP is loaded on a FAT32 partition, only Window's 95 (SR2), Windows 98, and Windows Me can access the partition. One solution to this scenario is to create three partitions one for XP using NTFS; one for Windows 95 (SR2), Windows 98, or Windows Me using FAT32; and a third partition for shared data that is FA T3 2 (a partition type that both operating systems can access).

After installing all files and rebooting, a menu appears with the Microsoft Professional option, NT Workstation option, and NT Workstation (VGA Mode) option. To select which option is the default operating system, right-click on the My Computer desktop icon and click on the Properties option from the drop-down menu. Click on the Advanced tab and select the Startup and Recovery Settings button. In the System Startup section, select the Default Operating System drop-down menu.