dual-boot Win7 after Linux

[theAdmiral]

I currently have F12KDE installed with a virtual machine (WinXP) run by VirtualBox. The VM does not read the CD/DVD drive. So, I have to uninstall it and set up a dual-boot configuration. When I did this before, I would install Windows first, then Linux. Is it okay if I kept my current installation of Linux, repartitioned my hard drive, then installed Win7? (I have a copy of Win7).

Thanks,
theAdmiral

[nujinini]

Hello!

Usually windows always wants to be installed first. But this is just a wild guess. I believe the gurus have the wisdom to do it properly.

If I were to do that job, I would resize and format (NTFS) my windows partition ahead while leaving linux alone. Hope that the windows will detect its proper place. And then fix MBR. You might want to consider giving it a try while waiting.

[theAdmiral]

Is there another reply, for a second opinion?

[devils casper]

There won't be any problem. Are you planning to install Windows 7 in separate Partition or over existing Windows OS?

[theAdmiral]

I plan on installing on a partition at the end of the drive. No way I'm gittin' rid of my Fedora (for now.)

Thanks for the reassurance.

theAdmiral

[manjil1]

I want to install fedora 12 on D: of same HDD without affecting or reinstalling the existing Win 7.
(previously there was "GRUB error 18" when I selected To install the GRUB in selected partition (/sda 4 or first sector of HDD) again but when selected to install GRUB in MBR another problem occured to reinstall Win XP.)

[devils casper]

There should be any problem doing that. Fedora installer detect Windows OS without any problem and setup dual boot itself. Just keep default settings in Boot Loader section. Installer will install GRUB in MBR.

Which version of Fedora are you planning to install? Could you post output of fdisk -l command? Boot up Fedora LiveCD or any other distro and execute fdisk -l Terminal/Konsole.

/sbin/fdisk -l

* Its small L in fdisk -l.

[manjil1]

Again new problem : I have installed fedora 12 on F: drive of (160 GB) of same HDD where it was WinXp already installed on C:.
but after complete installation when rebooted then message "No bootable media please insert the disk and press any key"
I insatall with normal configuration like install GRUB in /dev/sda
I also set bios in every possible combination.
Please help so that I could recover data if not install both system.

[theAdmiral]

Again new problem : I have installed fedora 12 on F: drive of (160 GB) of same HDD where it was WinXp already installed on C:.
but after complete installation when rebooted then message "No bootable media please insert the disk and press any key"
I insatall with normal configuration like install GRUB in /dev/sda
I also set bios in every possible combination.
Please help so that I could recover data if not install both system.

If this is solution resolves your issue, I suppose it is a good thing it is a Windows problem and not a Linux problem. Here is what I suggest. Give it a go, and if it doesn't work, we can proceed down the list at the bottom, I guess. Sound good?

Repair or Replace Boot.ini - How To Repair or Replace Boot.ini in Windows XP - Boot.ini

How To Repair or Replace Boot.ini in Windows XP

By Tim Fisher, About.com Guide
See More About:

* boot.ini
* bootcfg
* windows xp recovery console
* hidden files
* hard drive partitions

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The boot.ini file is a hidden file that is used to identify in what folder on which partition and on which hard drive Windows XP is located. Boot.ini can become damaged, corrupted or deleted for a number of reasons and is usually brought to your attention by an error message.

Follow these easy steps to repair the damaged/corrupted boot.ini file or replace it if it has been deleted.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Repairing or replacing the boot.ini file usually takes less than 10 minutes
Here's How:

1.

Enter Windows XP Recovery Console. The Recovery Console is an advanced diagnostic mode of Windows XP with special tools that will allow you to restore the boot.ini file.
2.

When you reach the command line (detailed in Step 6 in the link above), type the following command and then press Enter.

bootcfg /rebuild

3.

The bootcfg utility will scan your hard drives for any Windows XP installations and then display the results. Follow the remaining steps to add your Windows XP installation to the boot.ini file.
4.

The first prompt asks Add installation to boot list? (Yes/No/All).

Type Y in response to this question and press Enter.
5.

The next prompt asks you to Enter Load Identifier:.

This is the name of the operating system. For example, type Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home Edition and press Enter.
6.

The final prompt asks you to Enter OS Load options:.

Type /Fastdetect here and press Enter.
7.

Take out the Windows XP CD, type exit and then press Enter to restart your PC.

Assuming that a missing or corrupt boot.ini file was your only issue, Windows XP should now start normally.

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[devils casper]

Have you set Hard disk as First Boot Device in BIOS?

Boot up from Windows Installation CD and select Repair. Execute fixmbr command at Repair prompt. It will re-install Windows Boot Loader. Check if Windows OS boot up on reboot.

To sort out Fedora installation and dual boot setup problem, we have to check Partition Structure of your Hard disk. Boot up from LiveCD of any Linux distro and execute fdisk -l command in Terminal. Post output here.

/sbin/fdisk -l

* Its small L in fdisk -l.