How to Dual boot?

Taso5 · 11-08-2009, 12:19 PM

i have the hp pavilion a6110n i got vista as an os what should i do to have opensuse 11.1 too?In the hard disc i got vista save from the manufacture is it that a problem
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en...-80443628.html

pixellany · 11-08-2009, 12:49 PM

Welcome to LQ!!

The standard routine is this:

Backup important data
De-fragment the Windows partition(s), if necesary
Resize existing partition(s) to make room for Linux. (This can be done from something like GParted live CD, and linxu live CD, and (I think) from some versions of Windows.) Create at least 10GB of empty space---preferably more.
Boot up from the Linux CD and follow instructions---tell the installer to use the empty space you created.

Almost all modern installers will detect Windows and automatically set up the bootloader.

pwalden · Yesterday, 05:05 PM

I would recommend buying a second disk and installing Linux and the corresponding boot loader on that. The linux boot loader can then boot Linux from that disk or chain load Windows on the second disk. No need to defrag or repartition.