I've got a laptop with a 40GB hard drive and need to dualboot XP Pro and Linux. I'm planning on repartitioning the whole hard drive but don't know how to set it up to run Linux and XP. I need about 30GB for the Windows partitions so have about 10GB for Linux.

What's the process of installing (XP and RH8/9)? Partition first? Partition sizes? Install XP next? Then Linux? I've read some dualboot scenarios but they aren't very clear as to the process and particular partition sizes. Any help much appreciated!

Thx!

I would say install windoze first. It overwrites the boot partition, it can be a pain in the ass to get GRUB or LILO back on. If you install linux second, the installer will probably detect your windows partition and automatically set up dual boot.

As far as partitioning, have the XP installer allocate 25 gigs for windows (unless you really need 30 gigs for windows) and MAKE SURE IT'S FAT32! Linux cannot write reliably to NTFS partitions, and can't even read them unless you recompile the kernel (Redhat 8 NTFS support is off by default). It might be helpful to do this step in DOS if possible. Then have anaconda (Redhat installer) create a 256MB swap partition, and allocate the rest for root.

I would recommend GRUB, simply because it has fewer problems when installing from anaconda.

I just set up a dual boot XPpro/MDK9.1 on a toshiba laptop. Unless you need ntfs for security jspenguin is correct in suggesting fat32 conversion. I suggest you make a bootloader
floppy for xp in case you run into problems. Three files ( boot.ini,
NTLDR- a sys file, and NTDETECT - an msdos app.) I used partition
magic (from floppies and in dos) with no problems. Now if I could
just get a linmodem driver installed and going I'd be a happy camper! GOOD LUCK