Copy XP partition into a Linux installation primary drive possible?

bfzhou · 11-11-2013, 11:58 AM

Hello,

I recently got a larger hd for my Thinkpad T60P and installed Linux on it. I wonder if I can simply copy the old XP hd into an extended partition of the larger HD and setup a tripple boot from Linux, which is already setup to dual boot into Linux and Hackingtosh.

Anyone done this before mind sharing some insight?

many thanks,

TobiSGD · 11-11-2013, 12:38 PM

XP does not live well in extended partitions, it usually prefers to live on the first primary partition. You will also have to fix the second stage of the Windows bootloader, which resides in the first sectors of the Windows partition. It will be easier and less error prone to install XP first, then install Linux afterwards (or restore a copy of your Linux system).

jefro · 11-11-2013, 03:43 PM

I think you could if sp3. Loader would have to be on primary. Haven't played with it in a long time but there are also tools that allow like 100 bootable OS's on a single drive.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/102873

https://neosmart.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1360

bfzhou · 11-11-2013, 04:47 PM

How about if I install the XP drive as a second primary disk. Will that work?

yancek · 11-11-2013, 06:35 PM

Quote:

How about if I install the XP drive as a second primary disk. Will that work?

Do you mean to install xp on a second/separate drive? That would work. If you boot with Grub form whatever Linux (?) you are using, you would need to map the drive in the grub menu. You haven't indicated which Linux distribution you are using or which bootloader so it is not possible to give more details. Well, I guess it would be possible but more trouble than it is worth.

Windows does not need to be on the first primary partition nor does it need to be on a primary partition but according to microsoft, the boot files need to be on a primary partition.

bfzhou · 11-12-2013, 01:24 AM

Yes, that's what I mean, sorry for not using the proper terms. I'm thinking purchasing a HD caddy using the DVD drive bay as I seldom need the DVD drive.

After making this work, I'll try to copy the partition to an extended partition on the primary drive after applying the SP3 of XP. As was suggested, after SP3, XP should be bootable from an extended partition.

Many thanks for sharing your insight and pointing out my misconception - despite success in dual-booting with Hackingtosh, I realize I'm still a true newbie.

thanks for tolerating my newbieness in my questions!