Dual Boot Win Xp Pro and Fedora 1o

abejr · 07-11-2009, 03:45 AM

Hi there...

Can anyone help me in my problem, I want to make a dual boot OS WIN XP Pro and Fedora 10 in my Laptop without damaging my files... Please help me in my problem regarding this matter. Im just a newbie here. Thanks

pixellany · 07-11-2009, 03:55 AM

Welcome to LQ!!

Do some searches here and on Google---this is a very common question....

The basic procedure:

Back up your data
De-frag the windows partition
Re-size the windows partition to create empty space for Linux
Install Linux---most installers will automatically detect the Windows system and set up the bootloader.

Depending on the age of the Windows installation, how much data you have, etc., I would consider doing a clean install of Windows---giving it only 15-20GB. Give Linux another 10-15, and use the rest of the drive for shared data.

Did I mention backup?? Ah...yes

abejr · 07-12-2009, 06:44 PM

thank you for the reply pixellany. When i install the Fedora 10 I encountered something that I can't understand on the "resizing" part. On windows Xp I have 2 partitions on my hard drive "C: with 18GB" and "D: with 19GB". When Trying to resize the drive d: on fedora installation it does not continue. Im stack there! I hope you can again help with regarding my problem. and please do give me instructions what to do.

Thanks in advance.

linus72 · 07-12-2009, 06:52 PM

OK, the "D" drive is actually a recovery partition.
don't mess with it unless you have a recovery cd/dvd!!

you need to re-size the "C" drive part

wait for more input from other memebers before destroying your XP installation

linus72 · 07-12-2009, 06:57 PM

Also, unless fedora automatically does it, you should almost always
resize a windows partition by giving windows the Front of the partition
because windows puts most of it's files at the Front of the partition(C drive)

when you defrag windows it moves files from the back of the drive to the front.

that's why you should defrag before resizing.

repo · 07-13-2009, 02:49 AM

Quote:

OK, the "D" drive is actually a recovery partition.

A recovery partition from 19 GB ?

@abejr, what is the use of the D partition?

abejr · 07-13-2009, 06:47 AM

Actually i was surprise when I saw my recovery drive that big(19GB). Anyway my only problem is how to resize the drive C... I note all your suggestions so that I can now install the Fedora. I hope you will not stop helping me or other new members in our queries. Thank you guys. Keep up all the good work.