I tried to install Linux on a Laptop running Windoze 8.1 and it deleted the Windows entirely!
I now need to try again.
My plan is to put VBox on the current Linux Distro (Uberstudent) and either:
1. Install Windows 8.1 alongside (last disaster)
2. Put Windows into VBox. Preferred

Any hints/warnings welcome!
I still don't know what I did wrong before.....

Cheers,

Linux installers don't delete Windows unless you allow them to. Are you sure that the Windows partition(s) are gone or is it that Windows is not included in the boot menu?

Hi Glennzo,
No it was wiped completely.
Linux over wrote whole system - lost a LOT of stuff and time.
No idea how.
I just did a std. install from a "try b4 u buy" ISO download of UberStudent.

From reading around it now seems my best bet would be to set up Windoze in VBox or VMWARE and hopefully install my VITAL Windoze programs there.

I do have a licensed Windows8 Disk.
Also a leftover NEW XP install Disk.

My hope would be to install a few vital Windows only programs that I use, like Dragon Voice-2-Text, very difficult with its "security".
So I do need the ability to share between the Op Systems.
Any advice/warnings appreciated!

Linux would have given you the choice at install time to either:-
1) Use the whole disk
2) Install as a Dual Boot install
3) Perform a Custom install.

You can try installing Windows into Vbox - read up about it first.
The worst that can happen is that you have to delete the Windows Virtual bit.
It won't upset Linux.

If you want to use Dual Boot, you need to:-
1) Install Windows - which won't ask - it will just wipe Linux.
2) Make sure you resize (in Windows) a partition or two to make space for Linux to use.
3) Re-install Linux - I'd recommend the Custom Install so you can see what's happening.
You should end up with a boot menu that allows you to Start Windows or Linux.

Hi. Lesson learned, if you don't back stuff up especially before major changes you wont have a backup. I only have 4 GB of RAM and VirtualBox works well I have a backup of a VirtualBox-virtual-harddrive with microcoughed-winsuck$-8 on Blu-ray for the once a year that I have to use it!

But, for HD gaming you'd need more power and support or dual\multi-boot (installing win first the Linux reading and\or Googling all the steps...) best wishes and have fun.