Ubuntu

Dual-boot Linux and Windows XP?

Asked by Nathan

I have Ubuntu Linux 5.10 installed, with no problems. I would also like to install Windows XP on the same HDD (80GB). When I insert the WinXP CD, I don't get an option so that I can indicate that XP must be booted. Firstly, is it possible to dually boot XP, with Linux already installed, or should I have booted XP first? Secondly, if Linux is already installed, what is the exact procedure for XP installation? Nathan

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Zagadka77 (zagadka77) said : 		#1

Of course you can dual boot, and you can install WXP also if you already have Ubuntu installed. You must be sure that you have free space for a new partition in which to install WXP, otherwise you must resize the ext3 partition in which you have Ubuntu installed. Be careful, if you are not an expert you should ask for help.

Then you must check if your BIOS is configured to boot from CD. Go to the BIOS setup on boot and change the boot order putting the CD drive before the HDD.

Then reboot, and press a key when it shows a message like:

"Press any key to boot from CD" (the WXP must be in the drive)

The setup for WXP starts, where you must:

- create a new partition for WXP (be careful not to remove your Ubuntu partition, or to install WXP over this partition)
- format it
- install WXP

Then (after installing WXP) you must reinstall GRUB to be able to boot Ubuntu again (WXP erases it to install its bootloader).
You can do it by booting an Ubuntu live-cd, going to a terminal and submitting some simple commands.

If you have more precise questions don't hesitate to ask.

Regards

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Greg A (etulfetulf) said : 		#2

Do you mean Ubuntu Linux 7.10?

5.10 is old and unsupported, there have been four new releases since then.

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