Hi guys,

My name's Steve and yes, you guessed it - I'm a newbie (not a hopeless newbie...just a newbie)!

Let me explain my existing situation:

Long ago - about 2 years now - I installed Windows XP. As a dual boot option, I installed FC 6 Linux with the Grub boot loader.
I've since discovered that FC 6 doesn't detect my display drivers so I haven't been able to get Gnome or KDE up and running. (Not that I care anymore because I've since developed a love-affair with Kubuntu - that thing ROCKS!).

Now here's the deal:
I have Windows XP running on some Fat32 partitions (hate NTFS), and if I get rid of it my wife will kill me.
On another partition I have FC6 occupying space. I'd love to "can" this installation and replace it with Kubuntu 8.1 but GRUB loader is on this partition.
It's my understanding that if I install another OS on this FC6 partition (Like Kubuntu 8.1)that it will mess up my GRUB and I won't be able to boot into XP anymore.

So here's my question:
How do I install Kubuntu 8.1 on this FC6 partition AND maintain my dual-boot scenario (and thereby avoid my wife killing me)?

Thanks a million guys.

Kubuntu's grub should overwrite FC6's, and pick up your XP partition OK.

Agree with BrianL. You do need to make certain you install to the correct partition and I assume you are familiar with Linux partition naming conventions. Fedora Core 6 and Kubuntu both use Grub. Grub has a stage1 file which goes in the master boot record. When you install Kubuntu, just select to install Grub to the master boot record. When this is done, the Kubuntu stage1 file will replace the Fedora file in the mbr and it will point to the rest of the Grub boot files in your Kubuntu partition. Should automatically detect windows and put an entry for it. If it doesn't happen, post back. It's an easy fix.

I'd consider making a ntbackup with system state before you attempt this and save it to remote media. (just so sweety doesn't kill you)

Might be time to look into usb stick installs if your system boots to usb flash drives. Liveusb creator is almost fool proof.

There are also choices like wubi that install to a fat or ntfs virtual file.

There is also co-linux (and a few others)that runs side by side.

Not only that you can run virtual machines.


Don't stop jefro. You can also get netboot.me's floppy (or cd) and network boot an OS.


Gee, don't forget about live cd's with persistant area. Could use that fc6 area.


See also pendrivelinux.com for more choices. It think they have an installer for their 2009 edition. The last was pretty too.

But I agree with the above.

when you install kubuntu it will over write the old grub install. Also if you run into MBR issues have your winXP cd handy and use it to repair the MBR back to the windows loader. you will need the repair windows option and us the command (i think) . That should reset your boot loader.

Just delete your linux partitions and install. You can delete the Linux partition for the built in partition manager or you can use windows and go to Control Panel> Administator tools> Computer Management> Storage> Removable Storage> Disk Management> Then you can click on your linux partition(s) and delete them.

Then install your Xubuntu. The new grub will install the MBR and the windows chainloader

Thanks a million.
I truly appreciate it!

All the best and God bless!