How do I install Slackware to dual-boot with Windows XP?
 

Hi

I haven't used Slackware before but I used Ubuntu which I dual-booted with Windows XP.

Now I want to dual-boot Windows XP with Slackware. How do I install Slackware on top of my Windows?

My laptop is a ThinkPad my Windows is XP Pro SP3.

thanks

Install XP first on your hard drive and leave un-allocated space for Slackware. Boot from the Slackware install CD/DVD and select the un-allocated space for the Slackware installation. During the install process you'll be guided through adding your ntfs partition to fstab and a Windows entry will be added to your lilo.conf so you can choose either Windows or Slackware at boot time.

Thanks for your response!. I already have Win installed by the way.

So I'll boot from a Slackware DVD. Then, will this automatically ask me how much space I want to allocate to Slack?

Also, what do you mean by ? Is this something I'll have to do, and what is it exactly?

Another question I have, is will the installation process ask me a lot of questions? In other words should I have access to an internet at the time, so that I can look up what the questions mean?

You are welcome! :)

1. You will need to set how much space you want for the Slackware partition. Log-in as root and run cfdisk /dev/sda to partition your hard drive, leave the ntfs partition un-touched.

2. The installation procedure will prompt you and suggest a way to mount your ntfs partition so that you'll be able to boot Windows with lilo when your PC boots-up.

3. The text-based installation program will ask you questions that you will need to input choices for. Many choices are pre-selected for you. I strongly suggest that you read the slackbook before you install Slackware (see my signature). Have fun! Welcome to the Slackware forum!

Thank. I will read the book first then. But since we're here, what do you mean that I should .

Maybe this doesn't correspond to Windows systems which is why I don't understand it. Should I install a program on my Windows that will help me partition my hard disk, before trying to install Slackware? Isn't the partitioning part included in the Slackware installation process, like in the case of Ubuntu installation process?

Also, can you give me a link to a Slackware iso that I can download and burn on a DVD?

1. No, you don't need to partition your hard drive from Windows. Boot from the Slackware DVD, log-in as root after the DVD has booted-up. The program cfdisk will partition your hard drive.

2. Here you go: http://www.slackware.com/getslack/

Hi,

I would add that the OP can look at the 'similar threads' by scrolling down to get some useful information. Or even do a search here on LQ as this subject has been covered so... many times.

:hattip:

Oh OK :P

If you had Ubuntu on your drive the partitions that are needed for Slackware will already be there.Just use them and format them as needed.If you have personal data on your home partition that you wish to keep DO NOT format it.

Further to hoodooman's excellent advice I would also back-up anything on your XP partition that you don't want to lose in the event that things go awry during the installation. From my experience Slackware does an excellent job of setting up a dual boot with Windows.