I wanted to add RHES 4 to an existing Windows XP hd. The disk have 140GB but Windows have it all. After searching, I found BootIT Boot Manager Recommendation here. I discarded Partition Magic since it have not been updated in years (after Symantec bough PowerQuest), I read at PC Magazine that Partition Commander writes own code to MBR or something like that...

I decided to go with sometime new. I bought BooitIT NExt Generation. Burned into a CD and installed per the docs. After install I boot Win XP to test it. Win XP booted fine.

When installing RHES 4 (64 Bit AMD) I stopped at Boot Loader settings and search BootIT page before procceding. After reading (don't remember if the FAQ's) I learned GRUB have to be installed **NOT** into MBR. BootIT uses that. ALso, BootIT NEEDS a BootLoader to boot LINUX. So thanks God I serached before (I was tempted to not install a boot loader since BootITis a Boot MAnager too).

GRUB configuration during install provide for **advanced options** or somethime like that look there and select install into First Sector not in MBR when installing with BootIT.!!

I am just sharing my experience. So far, I have BOTH Win XP and Linux in one HD that have an existing Win XP installed.

I use LINUX from REDHAT 8. Always RedHat. I use Windows only for applications I have NO choice. I become a LINUX user after using OS/2 Warp (v3 and v4). Sooo, my primary OS is not Windows since some time.

Just sharing this because it may be useful. This time I like to provide information that may help others. I have been helped a lot here at Linux Questions.

Take Care!

Gracias amigo..........
is my grammar or spelling correct ??
thx

Sounds like you have a decent handle on the process. One point to mention: Grub can boot Windows just fine. If you want to use a paid for boot loader, by all means. Just be aware that you don't need to.

The problem typically is in actually splitting the Windows NTFS partition. There are several ways to do this. Usually it is safest to defragment the drive from Windows first. This stage is where comercial software may be easier or more reliable than foss (though it can be done, and regularly is).