Hello,

I'm new to using Linux, so like any noob I've decided to start out with Ubuntu to keep things simple. However, to keep things complicated I want to triple boot my laptop to use Ubuntu, XP, and Vista. Mainly I run Open Source programs on my Windows system and help others with the same.

My Problem is with installing the 3 OS's. Both versions of Windows are rescue disks that came with my laptop. They're the business editions, so when you go to install a fresh version, it puts Windows into drive C: and makes a 1gib D: drive (I have no clue why). I partition my HDD with GParted Live to resize my Vista, make a primary partition for XP, then one for Linux. However, when I put the XP disc in, it wants to install over drive C: giving me no other options. I have a regular version of XP, but my problem is the rescue discs, they always want to install in drive C:.

Is there a way I can partition before I install, getting both versions of windows to think they are installing on a fresh C: drive?. Or is there a way to rename the C: drive (once I've installed one) to be drive X: so the next CD thinks there is a blank C: drive available?

If I can't get around this, I know the dual-boot works, I've at least managed that.

I appreciate any help or direction anyone can pass on.

Try typing in "triple boot vista xp linux" in google; there are many relatively clear tutorials on exactly this scenario. You might need to hide vista's partition from xp or vice versa by changing it's id type with fdisk if your business rescue CDs don't work like the normal OEM or retail version.

Thank you. I'll give that a try and see what I can hunt down. I didn't have a clue what direction to go next.