Going from Fedora Linux to Dual Boot/ XP - how do you do it???
 

Hello, I'm currently running Fedora Core 2 with Grub for boot. How would I go about setting up a dual boot with Windows XP? (Linux would be my primary OS, with windows on the side for certain applications)

Traditionally adding Windows to an existing Linux box is more difficult than adding Linux to an existing Windows box, because the Windows installation makes an assumption that it is the only game in town and does not look to avoid overwriting the master boot record making it difficult to access your original Linux installation. I have not directly tried this since the heydays of NT 4.0, but I have to tell you it was an ugly experience.

If you do decide to give it a shot I would recommend that you back up anything of importance to you and I would suggest splurging on a commercial utility such as system commander to help try to intercept windows efforts to take over you box during installation. For more information on system commander take a look at:

http://www.v-com.com/product/System_Commander_Home.html

Another possibility, if you only anticipate using Windows occasionally you may want to consider installing VMWare. While this is also a commercial application, it will allow you to run a Windows instance from your Linux install. Plus if memory servers they allow free trials, so you can try this solution to see if it will meet your needs before you commit to it.

http://www.vmware.com/

Good luck on your efforts.

A couple of other options:

1. If you plan to install Windows on a separate drive, you can always change the boot order in the BIOS. This wouldn't be convenient if you want to switch back and forth often, but if you plan to use Windows only occasionally, it might be satisfactory.

2. If you plan to install Windows on a new partition on the same drive as Linux, Windows will overwrite the MBR. If you back it up first, using the dd utility or a disk editor, you should be able to place the resulting file in the Windows C:\ root (after Windows is installed) and point to it with a new line in boot.ini. But be sure you have a Linux boot disk ready first. And as suggested, do a backup.

Darn Windows....I expected as much...sigh.:rolleyes: I'll have a look at system commander and v-ware. Thx alot for the suggestions and advice. :cool: