How to create bootable diagnostic partition?

[kandukondein]

Does Anyone know how to create bootable diagnostic partition without reinstalling OS from their respective CDs.

Thanks...
Waiting for ur replies
Regards
Kandukondein

[Joe Nellis]

Use a piece of software called System Commander. Partition Magic is also another partitioner but I don't know if it is able to manipulate disks with existing installations.

Dual boot systems on the same HD, whether managed by a boot loader or not, always seem to run a higher risk of disk corruption thus ruining both partitions. That is my experience with them and from others I have seen use it. For some reason it is just a matter of time. A better solution would be to just add another HD and then change the boot device in the bios when you need it or many keyboards come with a key command (some are undocumented) so that you can select your boot device from a list.

If the diagnostic program is small enough you could maybe fit it on a USB keychain and boot from that, making it the first bootable device in your bios and then the harddrive the second.

[kandukondein]

I have partition magic but i am not able to create diagnostic partitions with that.
I can create only FAT/NTFS/Linux

[Joe Nellis]

Hmm. Diagnostic Partition. Ugh, is this a Compaq machine? Have you visited the site for the model computer you have? That would be where you would get your diagnostic partition image and software. You can still hope to make an empty partition or a space for it.