You are installing Windows 2000 on a computer that already has another operating system installed. You choose to install Windows 2000 into a different folder than the previously installed operating system, rather than overwriting it. What will Windows 2000 Setup do in this scenario regarding startup and operating system selection?

Introduction / Context:
This question describes a dual boot installation of Windows 2000 on a computer that already has another operating system. By selecting a different folder, such as WINNT instead of the original Windows directory, you instruct Setup to install Windows 2000 side by side with the existing system. Understanding how the boot loader behaves in this scenario is essential when configuring multi boot environments.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• There is an existing operating system already installed on the computer.
• Windows 2000 Setup is being run and a different installation folder has been chosen.
• No mention is made of deleting partitions or formatting the disk.
• You want to know how startup will work after installation.

Concept / Approach:
When Windows 2000 is installed alongside another operating system on the same machine, Setup recognises the existing OS and configures a multi boot environment. It installs its own boot loader, updates the BOOT.INI file, and presents a startup menu when the computer boots. This menu allows the user to select which operating system to start. The existing operating system is not overwritten as long as you choose a different folder and do not reformat the partition.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that choosing a separate folder indicates the intention to keep the original OS intact.Step 2: Recall that Windows 2000 Setup can detect other operating systems and configure dual boot.Step 3: Understand that Setup automatically updates BOOT.INI and does not require manual editing for typical cases.Step 4: Choose the option that states that a boot menu will be created to let you choose between systems at startup.

Verification / Alternative check:
Microsoft documentation on installing Windows 2000 in dual boot configurations explains that Setup provides a menu at startup when another OS is detected. This behaviour is similar for dual boot with Windows 9x, NT, and some non Microsoft operating systems that use compatible boot loaders. The presence of separate folders and preserved system files makes it possible to choose which OS to launch.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a describes an overwrite scenario, which would occur only if you reformatted or explicitly chose to replace the existing OS. Option c incorrectly claims that Windows 2000 requires the same folder, which is untrue. Option d suggests that you must edit BOOT.INI manually, whereas normal Setup handles this automatically. Option e claims the existing OS is hidden and always boots Windows 2000, which contradicts standard multi boot behaviour.

Common Pitfalls:
Some users worry that installing a new Windows version will always overwrite older systems, but carefully choosing a separate folder and avoiding repartitioning allows dual boot. Another pitfall is manually editing boot configuration files when Setup would have configured them correctly. Understanding the boot menu and timeout options in BOOT.INI helps administrators fine tune the user experience after installation.

Final Answer:
Windows 2000 Setup will create a boot menu so that, at startup, you can choose between Windows 2000 and the previously installed operating system.