I have been using microsoft OS for a while now and i want to change to linux but i do not want to completely take MS-vista off, and another problem is that my recovery is on the hard drive and i do not know if there is a risk of losing it since i want to run multiple operating systems on my machine and it may erase some partitions on the hard drive. My system wont allow me to make one on a disc beacause it keeps giving me error messages whenever i put in the dvd.

Welcome to LQ!!

I don't understand this---what DVD are you referring to, and what exactly happens?

As for partitions, you will be in control of this when you install Linux.

In general, to install Linux (dual-boot) on an existing Windows computer, you first have to re-size the exisiting Windows partition to make room.

Another option to consider is to simply install another drive or put Linux on an external USB drive.

The links below might be helpful.

I suggest Ubuntu 8.04, as it will make the partitioning of your hard drive very simple, and it will install the Grub boot loader for you. When you boot up, you will be given a clear choice whether to boot into Windows or Linux.

Since they don't ship OS/software installation/repair discs any more (or very rarely) with computers that come with Windows preinstalled, you really should make the discs yourself before anything else. Sure the data is there on a separate partition (named RECOVERY for example), but in case the partition or disk is damaged or you simply accidentally erase it, it's of no use -- and in some cases booting the recovery setup becomes tricky if you for example install another OS. So make the recovery CDs/DVD before doing anything else; if you can't do it for some reason, then contact (call, email, fax, ...) the manufacturer's/seller's support and ask if they could send you the recovery disk set -- they do have them, but they might charge you something (so basically you pay for something you shouldn't). Not sure how it works out after your warranty becomes void (usually 1-2 years), but if you have a fairly recent machine, you'll get the discs. Before contacting them you should find out some sort of serial number of your machine, because they'll very likely ask it to make sure the machine is from them and that they send the correct set.

You can get the discs probably later too, when your disk is broken or you have accidentally deleted the content for example (this is when people usually get they don't have the recovery media), but it's a lot nicer to get the media beforehand and know that you have a "plan B" if things don't work out.

About the only thing you should watch out during the installation of another OS on the same machine is the partitioning step: just make sure it doesn't say it's going to format the whole disk or remove all partitions. Any other option should be safe (in terms of keeping Windows on board).

If I am not mistaken, the installation media (CD or DVD) is typically available as an option. I would personally never buy a computer that did not include installation media.

OR--you could always clone the existing hard-drive.

I did not know that you could make recovery CDs from what's on the hard drive.....Can you completely re-install Windows from CD after doing this and erasing the hard drive?