Is there a simple way to remove XP and then install window 7 in a dual boot system ?

User247 · 04-17-2015, 07:04 AM

Hi guys,

For my dual boot system, I first installed window XP followed by Linux fedora 19 and the system has been booting and working fine without
problem.

Now, I would like to remove window XP and install Window 7,
so, I need to remove the partition window XP is on, and then
do a fresh window 7 install. Is there is simple and easy way
of doing this ?

I have window XP, a window 7 and a linux fedora installation disk.

Thanks.

User 247

syg00 · 04-17-2015, 07:12 AM

If XP is in an NTFS partition and has the boot flag, just whack the Win7 CD and boot it. Should install as normal, then just fix up grub to boot both again.
I might be inclined to update Fedora to 21 first.

If XP is in a [V]FAT partition (is that even supported ?), format it as NTFS then proceed as above.

veerain · 04-17-2015, 07:28 AM

1) zero out the first few megabytes of windows XP partition. Be very careful and backup important files/data beforehand.

2) Keep a grub cd boot disc.

3) Install Windows 7 to previous XP partition

4) Boot Fedora linux with grub cd boot disc

5) Reinstall grub and make sure Windows 7 entry is there to boot Windows 7

User247 · 04-17-2015, 12:45 PM

Thanks for your prompt help guys.

So, here is what I will do.

1.) back up my data files in my linux partition.
2.) make a grub CD boot disk.
3.) install window 7 to the NTFS partition.
4.) After installing window 7, reboot with grub boot disk.
5.) Reinstalling grub.
6.) reboot and the Linux boot menu should come on, and I should
be able to select and boot into the desired OS.

Will post if encounter any problem.

Thanks..

yancek · 04-17-2015, 02:06 PM

Quote:

1.) back up my data files in my linux partition.

I'm not sure if I'm reading the above correctly but if you are intending to back up data TO the Linux partition I would suggest backing up to an external medium. If you mean just backing up data FROM the Linux partition and you don't have anything on the windows partition, that would be good.

Quote:

2.) make a grub CD boot disk.

You indicated above you have the Fedora installation medium. You have Grub on it and can reinstall Grub from it and don't need to create a separate Grub boot CD. Of course, you can if you want.

User247 · 04-17-2015, 02:30 PM

Hi,

Yes.

1.) I meant back up data files to an external drive or USB.

For grub. Any pointers in how to access grub files in the installation CD ?

Thanks and regards.

John VV · 04-17-2015, 02:52 PM

keep in mind that fedora 19 is DOA ( dead on arrival)
it when End Of LIFE 6 months ago
as in you are MISSING!!!! all of the last 6 months of SECURITY UPDATES AND FIXED -- NOT GOOD !!!!
fedora 20 is ABOUT to go "End Of Life " very soon

so install Fedora 21 ASAP!!!!!

yancek · 04-17-2015, 05:15 PM

Boot Fedora, open a terminal as root and run: grub2-install /dev/sda

That's if your Fedora is on sda and you have only that one drive and it is not UEFI. More info at the Fedora project link below:

grub2-install /dev/sda

https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/GRUB_2