Installing Windows along with Pre-Existing Linux
 

Sorry in advance for posting about something that's probably been discussed.

So, blah blah, I have rh9 installed. I need windows now. I don't want to reformat and start by installing windows first like every single dual boot howto says (that I can find anyway). How's this done?

I'm assuming I can partition my HD using parted. Is there anything I can do, like defragmenting, that will reduce the chances of me losing all my information when I try to repartition my hd. I'm running ext3 if it makes a difference.

So after I repartition I imagine I'll have to format it as fat32, and run the windows installer. Hopefully it finds the right partition and installs itself ok with no problems.

Then I'm guessing it's going to overwrite the mbr with the windows loader. That means I'll probably have to boot off my RH9 install cd and go into "rescue" mode. Then what the hell do I run to re-install grub and tell it to point to both linux and windows?

Also, exactly how risky is repartitioning a hard drive in linux anyway? Any success or failure stories?

TIA,
Paul

Windows installer will overwrite you master boot record there is no way to change that as far as I know' I would just leave it as is' - Micxz

Get a utility to back up your Master Boot record, install windows, reinstall backed up Master Boot record, that should do it.

Easiest way, just reinstall your boot loader program [AKA Lilo/Grub] after you install windows, you may have to reconfigure the boot loader at this point, but...

Partitioning a linux can be risky. Not many folks would recommend it. At least not me :) Installing Windows after linux is fine but making a partition after linux is installed is a risky proposition.