Linux and XP at the same time

[rex27]

Sorry, but I've got another n00by question to ask:

I've got a Ubuntu liveCD and I'm planning on installing it on my Windows XP laptop.

I just wanted to know when I run Linux from the liveCD, and try to install Ubuntu, will the installation allow me to use XP afterwards, i.e allow me to run 2 operating systems?

And if not, will I have to partition my hard disk - I've tried using Partition Magic's Install another OS feature but that fails me after the first step, cos I only have the one hard disk.

Help?

[devils casper]

I just wanted to know when I run Linux from the liveCD, and try to install Ubuntu, will the installation allow me to use XP afterwards, i.e allow me to run 2 operating systems?

yes. Ubuntu will install its Boot Loader GRUB and you will have choice at startup to Boot up Ubuntu or XP.

And if not, will I have to partition my hard disk - I've tried using Partition Magic's Install another OS feature but that fails me after the first step, cos I only have the one hard disk.

Ubuntu LiveCD has one of the best Partition Manager, GParted. its in Menu. resize existing partitions and create a free space for Ubuntu. 6-10 GB is enough.
start installation and select "unpartitioned/free space' in partition section. installer will create and format partitions in free space and setup dual boot for you.





Casper

[pegazuz]

Sorry, but I've got another n00by question to ask:

I've got a Ubuntu liveCD and I'm planning on installing it on my Windows XP laptop.

I just wanted to know when I run Linux from the liveCD, and try to install Ubuntu, will the installation allow me to use XP afterwards, i.e allow me to run 2 operating systems?

And if not, will I have to partition my hard disk - I've tried using Partition Magic's Install another OS feature but that fails me after the first step, cos I only have the one hard disk.

Help?

Most of the time everything will work fine, but you need to recognize there is aways a risk that something could go wrong and you could lose your ability to boot up windows. In these cases you can usually restore it by doing a boot in safe mode and restore. Have a recent restore point created in case you need it and a Windows rescue disk in case you need to fix or repair the boot up section.

[yourname3232]

And make sure to defragment the XP drive first, resizing works better. Most importantly, back up all of your important data!

[devils casper]

no need to defrag partitions coz latest version of GParted uses 'ntfsresize' utility and it defrags partitions before applying any changes.







Casper

[DeoXMAN]

I think it is safer to use Partition Magic from windows, to partition all drives, and then install linux

[rex27]

Thanks for that piece of info - I've now successfully installed Ubuntu on my pc.

Cheers for all the advice - perhaps keep adding to help other n00bs like me!