VOGONS


First post, by C0deHunter

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Hello all,
When I install my different OS on CF card (using System Commander 2000), such as DOS 6.22, Windows 3.1, and Win98, they all work fine on my real retro system, but when I remove this CF card and connect it to a modern PC to transfer some files, the only partition that shows up is my first installed OS (in this case MS-DOS 6.22).

All of these are Primary partitions, and I need to be able to see them all on a modern PC in order transfer and copy files back and forth.

I have tried different CF readers, IDE adapter, and even used partitioning software such as Acronis Disk Director 12 in order to hide / make active the desired partition, with no luck.

Any comments and explanations are really appreciated!

PIII-800E | Abit BH-6 | GeForce FX 5200 | 64MB SD-RAM PC100 | AWE64 Gold | Sound Canvas 55 MKII | SoftMPU | 16GBGB Transcend CF as C:\ and 64GB Transcend CF D:\ (Games) | OS: MS-DOS 7.1-Win98SE-WinME-Win2K Pro (multi-OS menu Using System Commander 2K)

Reply 1 of 6, by weedeewee

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Don't know about system commander 2000 but,
if it works anyway like the older system commander tool then
it changes the type of the partition table entry of the other operating systems present so they will not interfere with each other.
This should be easily testable by booting the cf card to one of the other operating systems installed. shutting the system down, taking the cf card to your other computer and verifying which data is available.

though the solution to have all four partitions available isn't really easily explained in a workable way aside from saying you need to change the types for all partition entries to correct ones and then change them back to boot from them using system commander 2000.

Right to repair is fundamental. You own it, you're allowed to fix it.
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Do not ask Why !
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Reply 2 of 6, by C0deHunter

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On a 32GB SanDisk CF:

Basically I create 3 partitions: A 512MB DOS 6.22 (and Windows 3.1 on top of it), then a 2048MB MS-DOS 7.1 (using Phil's Computer Lab Easy DOS Starter pack menu), and finally I create a third separate partition on the remaining CF space for DOS games:

This particular partition is the *one* that I need access to, as if I can see its content on modern PC, I would be able to drag and drop all of my DOS game onto it.

When I connect to my modern PC, the only partition that pops up is the 1st MS-DOS 6.1 partition.

PIII-800E | Abit BH-6 | GeForce FX 5200 | 64MB SD-RAM PC100 | AWE64 Gold | Sound Canvas 55 MKII | SoftMPU | 16GBGB Transcend CF as C:\ and 64GB Transcend CF D:\ (Games) | OS: MS-DOS 7.1-Win98SE-WinME-Win2K Pro (multi-OS menu Using System Commander 2K)

Reply 4 of 6, by BitWrangler

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Yeah windows is like "ThErE cAn OnLy Be OnE pRiMaRy pArTiTiOn!"

Unicorn herding operations are proceeding, but all the totes of hens teeth and barrels of rocking horse poop give them plenty of hiding spots.

Reply 5 of 6, by weedeewee

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what you could try, is go into the disk managment in windows and 'try' to assign a drive letter to the partition you need.

Right to repair is fundamental. You own it, you're allowed to fix it.
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
Do not ask Why !
https://www.vogonswiki.com/index.php/Serial_port

Reply 6 of 6, by chinny22

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I've only ever had 1 primary partition so not sure how extended partitions behave if more then 1 exist.
I understand why you want/need both your boot partitions been primary, but couldn't your data drive just be an extended drive?
I would assume this would be simple enough for windows to understand and see a primary and extended drive

edit,
Actually does windows support multiple partitions on removable devices? It never used to .
I'm assuming OP is using a card reader in the modern PC so Windows is treating it much like a USB stick or similar where it ignores everything but the first partition.