When installing Linux and Windows XP on the same computer, the result can be a failure due to missing certain steps during the installation process.
The whole process is mostly done automatically. That doesn't imply that you just watch the computer do all work for you from start to finish.
At certain stages of the process, you are prompted to choose some options the system presents. Most questions you can answer easily, but there are some options which needs careful consideration to pick.
The options above are critical and can make the installation a total failure.
How do I know?
I tried it many times, and I found out the big difference. There are only two outcome of installing Linux and Windows XP on the same computer: Success or failure. No other choices.
If you want to ensure successful installations, here are 4 simple basic steps that will help you tremendously, and will make a huge difference in making the installation run smooth and produce the desired result:
1-You MUST partition your hard disk in to 2 partitions using Windows XP.
This should be done, because in most cases each operating system should be on a separate partition.
There are some exceptions that two operating systems can work in the same partition, but it is not the proper method.
It is possible two have two Microsoft operating system on the same partition depending on their versions, but this will never work if one operating system is Linux.
So, if you need to install Linux and Windows XP on the same computer hard disk, you must use separate partition for each.
2-Install Windows XP First on a partition of at least 3Gigs. This is because Linux will recognize the NTFS file system used by Windows XP. So, Linux will prompted you to leave the NTFS file system intact or format it.
Once prompted if you need to format the whole drive, you will choose the option that keeps Windows XP installed.
3-Install Linux after you are done totally with Windows XP installation.
When you are done installing Windows XP, you will install Linux an another partition. Up until now, you have installed Windows XP and Linux on different partitions.
This will enable you to have a computer ready to be rendered a dual boot system that will give you the options of loading either operating systems: Windows XP or Linux.
However, you still have to complete one step to ensure a successful dual boot set up on your computer. In step four, I will explain what completes your successful dual boot installation.
4-Edit lilo.conf file. After you are done installing both operating system, Linux and Windows XP, your computer will reboot. You will be amazed to find out that your computer is loading Linux without giving you the choice of loading Windows XP.
This situation is tricky and makes you think that the installation of the dual boot did not take place. This problem is resolved by editing a Linux file called lilo.conf.
Once lilo.conf is edited properly by adding a line of code that points to Windows XP operating system, you will be able to resolve the problem in order to be able to have a choice of two operating systems. Linux or Windows XP.
In Summary, don't spend countless hours installing two operating systems unless you take into account the 4 simple steps above.
Thanks,
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George Chamoun