I was wondering what precautions need to be made in order to change Linux distributions on an already dual-booting computer?

Currently I am running Red Hat 9.0, and I am considering installing Mandrake instead. In the process however I don't want to lose access to my WinXP install (I have a lot of files stored on NTFS formatted drive partitions that I don't want to lose).

Also, you would probably like to know that I am using the GRUB bootloader. Any information you would have for me would be appreciated. Thanks!

- JevidL

To be on the safe side, back up any XP data you need - then boot from the 1st Mandrake cd - choose the option to delete all exisiting Linux partitions and let Mandrake install in the resulting space - or, choose a manual partitioning scheme whereby youd manually delete Red Hats partitions and create a Root and Swap minimum for mandrake - install LILO to the MBR - if LILO doesnt automatically configure its config file for XP its usually a straighforward matter of adding an apprpriate entry for XP in LILO - so dont worry - re-post if there are any more questions/probs.

I did this about a day ago (with different distros, replaced RH8 with JAMD (RH derivative)...

Within the setup program you should be able to adjust, modify and format partitions. All you need to do is to go through the install and select to format your current linux partition and to use that as your '/' directory.

As for the bootloader, i havent used mandrake in a while, however the install should configure all of that for you.

Thanks for the help, it was little scary when I thought Mandrake had overwritten my bootloader and I didn't think I was going to be able to configure it to load up XP, but everything went well!

Glad it worked out alright