Using GRUB / adding another os
 

Hi-

I installed Ubuntu over the weekend and now have a dual boot system with XP that was partitioned using the manual option in Ubuntu, having split Ubuntu into / & /home.

Just have a few questions concerning GRUB and how to add/delete/modify partitions:

1. If I am using GRUB to boot Ubuntu & XP can I add another os (eg. Windows 7 beta) and if this is done should I create a partition through gparted and then just install the new os (ie. will the new os know where to install itself?) without modifying GRUB?

2. If I removed the XP partition and had Ubuntu only what would happen to GRUB?

4. If I am looking to install another os in a bootable usb flash drive (not sure how to do this) or through an external HDD, would this be better so I could avoid GRUB problems and leave my system quiet (like it is now!...)

Thanks

The typical setup is that the Ubuntu installer put GRUB on the MBR (not a partition), and put the GRUB config file in /boot/grub (In your case on the "/" partition).

To add another OS:
Run the installer, select manual partitioning, create a new partition and install.
When you get to the bootloader, you have two choices:
1. Let it install the bootloader. It will pick up the Windows install and possibly even the Ubuntu. If not, then add an entry for Ubuntu in the (new) /boot/grub/menu.lst.

2. Do not install a bootloader as part of the new install. When installation is complete, reboot back to Ubuntu, and make an entry in Ubuntu's /boot/grub/menu.lst.

If the installation is as I am guessing, then removing the XP partition would not affect your ability to boot into Ubuntu.

I'll leave booting from external devices to someone more knowledgable......

If you want to install a Windows OS. GRUB will be replaced by the Windows' bootloader. What does it mean? It means that you've to reinstall grub again, but it will not overwrite the configuration files(for example your menu.lst). :) If you want to install another Linux system, do not install its bootloader and add right infos to menu.lst, so at the restart you'll find your new OS. :)

I missed the part about installing another Windows OS.....sorry.

The easy way is to install all desired versions of Windows, and THEN install Linux.

Using GRUB / adding another os
 

Thanks-I may try to by pass this and see if I can install on a bootable usb or through an external HDD.

Then hopefully I'll be able to avoid any GRUB issues...