The Multi-Boot Odyssey: The Alluring, Elusive Floppy Disk Dream

The Alluring, Elusive Floppy Disk Dream

The quest for the perfect multi-boot system continues, and this time, we set our sights on a seemingly simple yet surprisingly tricky feat: dual-booting MS-DOS 6.22 and 7.10 from a single floppy disk.

The allure was undeniable. Imagine the flexibility! We could choose which version of DOS to install based on the specific needs of each machine in the multi-boot menagerie. The theory was elegant: since DOS 7.10 is the same version found in Windows 98, we could leverage the familiar F8 menu with a few tweaks to the MSDOS.SYS file.

Here's the magic potion:

• BootMulti=1 (enables the multi-boot menu)
• BootMenu=1 (displays the menu)
• BootGui=1 (activates the graphical menu)

And it worked! The F8 menu materialized, offering the tantalizing options of "Normal Boot" (launching DOS 7) and "Previous version of MS-DOS" (booting DOS 6). But alas, victory turned bittersweet at the first hurdle – booting into DOS 6.

The culprit? DOS 7's apparent lack of dynamism when it comes to file organization. Unlike its more versatile counterpart, DOS 7 doesn't seem to store its files in a designated directory. This creates a conflict when DOS 6 attempts to use the same files (like the crucial COMMAND.COM) located in the root directory. Furthermore, the technical limitation of having two identically named files in the same location throws another wrench into the plan.

Faced with this roadblock, we've decided to put the single-floppy DOS dream on hold. It's a reminder that even seemingly straightforward ideas in the world of retrocomputing can present unexpected challenges.

But wait, there's more! This setback doesn't dampen our spirits. The multi-boot odyssey continues! We'll explore alternative solutions, delve deeper into the intricacies of DOS configuration, and keep you updated on our progress. Perhaps a different approach, or a more complex dual-floppy setup, will unlock the secrets to a truly unified DOS experience within our multi-boot wonderland. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this technical adventure!

The Multi-Boot Odyssey: Breaking the Installation Mold with Windows NT 3.5.1

Breaking the Installation Mold

with Windows NT 3.5.1

Today's leg of the multi-boot odyssey ventured into uncharted territory: Windows NT 3.5.1. This early iteration of NT piqued my curiosity – could it, like Windows 95, handle FAT32 partitions? Little did I know, this foray would challenge my preconceived notions of multi-booting.

With DOS 6.22 and Windows 3.11 already residing on the system, I prepped for a standard multi-boot installation. But Windows NT had other plans. During the setup process, a message popped up, unlike anything I'd encountered before:

"Setup has found a previous version of Microsoft Windows on your hard disk in the directory shown below

D:\Win311

Setup recommends installing Microsoft Windows NT in the same directory. This will WIndows NT interoperate with the previous version of windows"

It then suggested installing NT in the same directory as Windows 3.11, promising "interoperability" between the two.

Rethinking Multi-Boot Rules

Conventional wisdom dictates that each operating system in a multi-boot setup needs its own dedicated directory, with the earliest version installed first. However, this encounter with NT threw a wrench into those assumptions. Here was a clear exception to the "rule," and it piqued my adventurous spirit.

Embracing the spirit of experimentation, I opted to follow the installer's suggestion. After all, "interoperability" sounded fantastic! And indeed, it turned out that Windows NT wasn't just playing nice with its older sibling; it offered the option to import elements from Windows 3.11, much like how Firefox might import settings from Internet Explorer.

This unexpected twist highlights the beauty of diving deeper into the world of legacy software. It's a constant reminder that there's often more than meets the eye, and sometimes, breaking the established "rules" can lead to fascinating discoveries.

 The Blue Screen of Despair (and the Joy of Obscure Knowledge)

Our multi-boot adventure continues, and this time, we encountered a formidable foe – the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Just as the setup for Windows NT 3.5.1 seemed to be progressing smoothly, the reboot delivered a chilling message: "INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE." Panic threatened to set in, but then, a glimmer of hope emerged.

Thankfully, Microsoft's knowledge base articles, even for discontinued operating systems like NT 3.5.1, haven't vanished into the digital abyss. Through the power of internet research, we unearthed the culprit – the pesky optical drive! Disconnecting it proved to be the magic bullet, banishing the blue screen and allowing the installation to proceed.

Beyond the "Next" Button: The Nuances of NT Installation

Now, for those who favor a more streamlined approach to installation (think clicking "Next" repeatedly), this might seem like an unnecessary hurdle. However, the charm of this multi-boot odyssey lies in the journey itself, in delving deeper than the surface-level experience of modern installers.

Unlike its user-friendly successors, Windows NT 3.5.1 lacks the luxury of a convenient "SETUP.EXE" or an "INSTALL.BAT" file. It demands a more hands-on approach, requiring users to directly execute "WINNT.EXE" from the root of the installation disc.

Floppy Fiasco and the Allure of the Switch

Adding another layer of complexity, the default installation process relies on a staggering number of floppy disks – over 30 by some estimates! Thankfully, we have the "/b" switch on our side. This magic command enables a floppy-less installation, a godsend in an age where floppy drives are becoming relics of the past.

However, a minor quirk emerged. The installer, seemingly programmed for a world dominated by CDs, appears to struggle with the concept of running from the local hard drive or a network drive. While this might seem like a minor technicality, it serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of software installation over the years.

Workstation Dreams and Domain-Free Destinations

It's important to note that this particular adventure focuses on the Workstation version of Windows NT 3.5.1. Domain functionalities aren't on the agenda for this rig. Our goal is to create a diverse multi-boot environment, not a miniature network empire.

Detours and Discoveries on the Road to Nostalgia

The quest for multi-boot mastery continues, and this week's episode is a testament to the unexpected twists and turns that lie in wait for the intrepid explorer. Buckle up, fellow retrocomputing enthusiasts, for a tale of near triumphs, roadblocks, and a glimmer of a new path forward!

NT 3.5.1: A Glimpse into the Windows Past

First up, we delved into the intriguing world of Windows NT 3.5.1. A cursory glance revealed applets with a familiar layout, reminiscent of Windows 95, yet nestled within a 3.11 environment. The allure of experiencing this relatively obscure operating system was palpable – a chance to witness a bygone era of Windows firsthand. Installation excitement coursed through our veins!

The Impasse of Windows 98

Alas, fate had other plans. When we attempted to install Windows 98, the stubborn beast refused to acknowledge the presence of its older siblings, even when armed with the fabled /NTLDR switch. A quick revisit of the multi-boot project resources confirmed our suspicions: the provided instructions assumed a pristine environment, starting with DOS and then progressing to Windows 98. Only the "advanced course," shrouded in mystery, hinted at the inclusion of Windows 2000 and Linux.

A New Dawn: Reversing the Order of Operations

This revelation sparked a new line of thinking. Perhaps, just perhaps, the key lay in installing Windows 98 first, then backtracking to incorporate Windows 3.11 and NT 3.5.1. This unorthodox approach offered a flicker of hope. Could trusty DOS 7.1, with its FAT32 partition capabilities, hold the answer to this multi-boot conundrum?

The journey continues! Armed with this newfound strategy, we press onward, determined to conquer the multi-boot mountain. Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we'll attempt this installation reversal and see if it unlocks the secrets of a harmonious coexistence for our vintage operating systems. Who knows, we might even stumble upon some unexpected treasures along the way!

The Multi-Boot Odyssey: Taming the Installation Beast

Taming the Installation Beast

The quest for the perfect multi-boot installation disc continues! This time, we grapple with the complexities of pre-configuring Windows 98's TCP/IP stack. Ideally, a simple copy-paste of files from the installation disc would suffice. After all, DOS installers primarily "expand" pre-compressed files. In theory, copying these expanded files directly should mimic a full installation.

However, the TCP/IP stack throws a wrench in our plans. Unlike a simple file copy, the installer performs magic through AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS. These batch files orchestrate a cascade of file calls, akin to the dependency nightmare encountered in Windows Services. Bypassing this dance proves impossible – the TCP/IP stack remains stubbornly dormant.

Keeping it Simple: A Balancing Act

Despite this setback, the quest for a streamlined installation disc marches on. Here are the guiding principles:

1. Minimal Root Directory: We want a clean, uncluttered root. No scrolling through a cluttered mess when using the trusty DIR command! Fancy options like "/P" (pause) and "/w" (wide format) are tempting, but simplicity reigns supreme.

2. Shallow Directory Structure: Deep directory nesting is FAT16's kryptonite. Long paths create havoc, so we maintain a flat structure.

3. Concise Directory Names: Eight characters are our limit. DOS can handle longer names, but abbreviated versions like "WINNT3~1" create confusion. Imagine two directories named "WINNT351W" and "WINNT351SP" – both morphing into the indistinct "WINNT3~1."

The Art of Compromise: A README to the Rescue

These goals might seem contradictory. After all, where else do files go besides the root or a subdirectory? Our solution? A well-crafted README.TXT file. This humble text document will act as a roadmap, detailing the location of each file within the installation structure. This allows us to maintain a clean root directory while keeping separate any installers that require execution (like the elusive TCP/IP stack).

The Never-Ending Journey

The quest for the perfect multi-boot installation disc is a fascinating exercise in balancing efficiency and practicality. We've encountered unexpected roadblocks, discovered the pitfalls of long filenames, and embraced the power of the lowly README.txt. The journey continues, and with each challenge overcome, we inch closer to a multi-boot utopia! Stay tuned for further adventures as we explore the intricacies of integrating a diverse collection of operating systems.

The Multi-Boot Odyssey: Delving into the Protocol Labyrinth

Delving into the Protocol Labyrinth

The quest for multi-boot mastery continues, and the finish line seems tantalisingly close. After a week of dedicated tinkering, I'm on the verge of sharing a sneak peek at my meticulously crafted AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files – the secret sauce that will orchestrate the smooth booting of this vintage operating system menagerie.

However, a pesky error has thrown a wrench into the works. The culprit? A missing file – PROTMAN.SYS – the enigmatic "Protocol Manager" for the TCP/IP stack I'm aiming to use.

This, my friends, is where the rabbit hole truly begins. My research suggests that PROTMAN.SYS resides on the elusive "DOS 6.22 Supplemental Disk," a relic from a bygone era. Thankfully, the digital archaeologists of the internet have unearthed an image of this very disk, offering a glimmer of hope.

The Thrill of the Hunt (and the Frustration of Legacy Software)

This hunt for the missing protocol manager is both exhilarating and frustrating. The thrill of unearthing a long-lost software artifact is undeniably exciting. But the frustration of navigating the arcane world of legacy software configuration can be equally potent.

A Beacon of Hope (and a Promise of Progress)

Despite the challenges, the discovery of the DOS 6.22 Supplemental Disk image fuels my optimism. With any luck, this missing piece will be the key to unlocking the full potential of my multi-boot system.

Stay tuned for the next chapter in this adventure! I'll keep you updated on my progress with PROTMAN.SYS and hopefully, the triumphant unveiling of my meticulously crafted boot configuration files. The journey may be long, but the potential rewards – a seamlessly functioning multi-boot paradise – are most definitely worth the chase.

The Multi-Boot Odyssey: Filling the Treasure Trove (Without Filling the DisK)

Filling the Treasure Trove 

Without Filling the Disk

Ah, the multi-boot saga continues! This time, we confront a challenge as delightful as it is daunting: filling a bootable disc with the perfect treasure trove of utilities for our vintage operating systems.

As I sifted through my spindles of discs, remnants of past attempts, a truth dawned – none were truly full. The official class disc, a treasure map in itself, held everything one might need. But then there were the spin-offs, customized with DOS 7.1 or Windows 95 OSR2 – a testament to the tinkerer's spirit. Yet, a nagging dissatisfaction lingered. A partially filled disc, for a project this grand, just wouldn't do.

The fire of creation burns bright. We yearn to fill this disc, but with what? The ghosts of past decisions whisper cautionary tales. Drivers, those workhorses of compatibility, can gobble up space, especially for the later Windows iterations. A complete set from DOS to ME would leave our disc gasping for air. Applications? Even more space-hungry beasts, rendering a comprehensive collection a pipe dream. Service packs, once beacons of stability, now loom large, their size exceeding our remaining megabytes.

So, the question remains: what precious cargo deserves a place on this digital vessel? Here's the new strategy:

• Prioritize Accessibility: Each operating system will be installed first, ensuring their basic functionality before any customization. This way, we can be confident they all boot up before diving into the rabbit hole of tweaking.
• Focus on Essentials: The disc will transform into a DOS 6.22 springboard. A well-configured AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS will serve as our launchpad. For drivers and service packs, we'll target Windows 3.11 and NT 3.51. Here's the reasoning: Windows 98 and beyond will have a smoother internet experience, allowing them to download larger files. Additionally, these later OSes can handle FAT32 partitions and breathe life into drives exceeding 2GB – a feat limited by the processing power of the era.

This approach ensures a balance between utility and efficiency. We'll provide the essentials for the earlier operating systems, allowing the more internet-savvy later versions to flourish online.

The journey is far from over. We'll chronicle our triumphs (and inevitable tribulations) as we navigate this delicate disc-filling dance. Stay tuned as we craft the perfect digital companion for our multi-boot adventure!