When i tried to install windows xp and ubuntu 9.04 together i got an error as GRUB 18. Then i installed only ubuntu 9.04. Now i am planning to have both ubuntu 9.04 and fedora 12 on my system. Is it possible that i'll again get the same error? If yes what are the possible solutions?? and is it advisable to have both fedora and ubuntu in the same system??

You can install as many Linux distro as you want in your system. You can always chainload to fedora from ubuntu or vice versa. you have to install either ubuntu's or fedora's grub in MBR and the other one's at their / .

Here is a link that explains what Grub error 18 is, and the work around to correct the problem.

http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/..._and_solutions

Could this happen again? Yes, so see the link for how to work around the problem.

does fedora have gparted?? if yes how should i partition my drive while installing fedora to avoid the GRUB 18 error?? Actually i am quite new to linux so please excuse me if i am asking very basic questions but at the same time i expect solutions fro experties.....so pls help me..

1. Have ready all three discs (Fedora, Ubuntu & GParted).
2. Set your BIOS up so you can boot from the CD-ROM drive.
3. Partition your Hard Drive with GParted so it has absoulutely nothing on it. Remove the GParted disc.
4. Insert the Fedora disc, Install Fedora; allocate the partition size you would like for Fedora to have. Do Not Install The GRUB Bootloader at this point (Check the Advanced options/settings...look for the keywords GRUB, bootloader, custom, etc.).
5. Take the Fedora disc out and insert the Ubuntu disc. Don't attempt to boot Fedora just yet because you won't be able to.
6. Install Ubuntu, choosing in the partitioner "Use the largest continuous free disk space," or the "Install them side-by-side, choosing between them at startup" option. The free space option is likely what you will use here. At this point let the installer work it's magic. You won't need to touch any options here, because at this point you will want to install GRUB.
7. GRUB will detect your Fedora installation as well as your Ubuntu installation at startup, so you can easily choose which one you want to use.

I made this little guide as easy as possible, but ask if you're unsure.

This is very typical of Linux users to want to have more than one distribution or OS on their Hard Disk. It won't be too hard, really.

Good Luck!

To install gparted on fedora,
http://www.linux.com/archive/articles/59526

Thanx a lot for your time friend.
I would definately try out ur suggestions.
Thanx a lot.

I have one more doubt...
why do i have to reinstall ubuntu again??? i already have it... cant i install fedora directly instead of removing ubuntu and then reinstalling it again???

Sure!
Resize your Ubuntu partition to make room for Fedora with GParted.
Then, insert the Fedora disc, and just install Fedora WITHOUT installing the GRUB bootloader.
After that, boot into Ubuntu and open a Terminal. Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal. Type "sudo update-grub", press [ENTER], type your password, press [ENTER] once more, and it will find your Fedora installation and you will be ready to go the next time you restart your PC. (It might take a minute, so be patient )

If you find a post that was helpful, don't forget to thank them by clicking on the blue thumbs up icon, and marking the thread as [SOLVED], by going to the top of the page, and clicking on Thread Tool -> Mark as SOLVED.

This is just superb....thanx a lot!!! I LOVE LINUX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Agreed!