need help installing linux plsssssssssssssssss

[1vish1]

i have just got a new pc with win xp pre installed. i want to create a dual boot system and linux as the second operating system. i have tried partioning my drive and stuff but REALLY messed everything up.... ive had to re-instal XP TWICE!! :S..... dunno wat went wrong exactly.... could someone help with this PLSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. i have got partionmagic to create the partion for linux. thanx in advance!

\/!$/-/

 

[AndyHui]

Please read the FAQ: How to use Win2K's Boot loader to dual boot Win2K and Linux?

Although it's written for Win2K, it applies to WinXP as well. That should help you.

 

[freebsddude]

Is it possible to switch between OS's on-the-fly or do you have to
reboot everytime ?

 

[AndyHui]

Reboot.

 

[thornc]

Basically,

You need to resize that XP partition (what filesystem are you using? NTFS or FAT32?). Then
you need to create an extended partition using the whole space that you released.

After that you can use the linux distro's install procedure to create the linux partitions.
You'll need at least two a linux root "/" and a swap partition. You distro should create
them for you, the swap should be around 1.5 to 2 times or system memory, but unless you'll
use some programs that use a lot of memory, or use the system on a multiuser enviroment, you
can probably just size it to 128 or 256 MB.

After creating the partitions just go with the default options untill you get into Boot Loader
installation, there you should install the boot loader into the the root partition instead of on
the Master Boot Record(MBR). You can probably install it to a floppy it will be a lot easier to
begin with.

For the rest read:
Linux + NT Mini Howto!!

And the faq page suggested above!!

 

[fow99]

<< i have just got a new pc with win xp pre installed. i want to create a dual boot system and linux as the second operating system. i have tried partioning my drive and stuff but REALLY messed everything up.... ive had to re-instal XP TWICE!! :S..... dunno wat went wrong exactly.... could someone help with this PLSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. i have got partionmagic to create the partion for linux. thanx in advance!

\/!$/-/ >>



I think the easiest way to do this is to:
1. Install XP first.
2. Install Linux and let Lilo be installed on MBR and you are sorted.

Try this *only* with a recent distro though.

If you want to play safe, install Lilo onto Linux's own partition and add Linux boot code into the NTloader menu. I think AndyHui's link describes this. Otherwise go to Linuxdoc and read some HowTo.

 

[EmperorRob]

I used the FAQ that AndyHui posted and everything worked fine for me. So that's why I recommend you do.