Dual Boot Class Project Failed
 

Our A+ project was to set up a dual-boot using XP Pro & the Linux download of our choice. What we did:
1- We formatted a 38GB HD using the NTFS file system.
2- Two equal sized NTFS partitions were created.
- Partition 1 was a Primary.
- Partition 2 was an Extended.
3- Used Ubuntu CD.
4- Install Ubuntu choices were to format the HD, install side-by-side, use the the longest continuous space, etc. We chose side-by-side.
5- After the install there was no evidence of the 2d 18GB partition (which we planned to use for XP Pro).

Any thoughts as what we did wrong? When we booted to the XP install disc that program booted to another HD (C:).

Thanks.

PRS

Basically, you should have installed XP to a NTFS partition using about 20% of the drive and left the rest unpartitioned. Then, when you install Ubuntu, just tell it to use the unpartitioned space and to replace the loader.

That should give you a dual boot system.

Your "problem" is that you're trying too hard. (Of course, you do learn more that way, but doing it the easy way first is often a better strategy.)

Most Linux distribution do not like NTFS and will not install on that file system.
Windows will ovewrite the MBR and set for windows only boot.
So it is best to install windows first because Linux will detect windows and allow dual boot.
Good luck