My computer came preloaded with XP, but I'd like to add a second OS. Can I?

Question

I finally found a version of Linux I really like, but I have to admit I don't know if I'm able to install it on my machine.

Whenever I hear about secondary operating systems, they're always installed at the same time as the primary OS, and on a fresh non-partitioned hard disk. I'd really rather not reformat my computer, and (since it came preloaded) I don't have the installation discs for Windows XP anyway. Is there any way for me to just clear up and partition a segment of my HD, and install the new OS?

I know some Linux devotees like to sneer at guys like me, but cut me a break. I'm trying.

Answer 1

Yes, you can duel boot with Linux. Try http://www.ubuntu.com/

Answer 2

Yes, you can dual boot Linux. It is very easy and you don't need to buy any additional software, Linux distributions already come with everything you need to set up a dual boot computer.

I'm currently dual booting Windows XP and Xandros Linux 4.0. Before I got Xandros I was dual booting Windows XP and SuSe Linux 10.1.

I will walk you through the steps to dual boot your Windows XP system.

1. Windows must be installed on your hard drive first before you install another OS. This is because Windows will only take over the entire hard drive.

2. Disable Windows Virtual Memory.

3. Defrag your hard drive.

4. Put the Linux boot CD in your ROM drive.

5. Restart your computer.

6. Linux will analyze your system and suggest the number of partitions and partition sizes. Some like SuSe will suggest a Windows partition, a root partition, and a user or home partition. Others like Xandros will just create a Windows and a Linux partition.

7. Accept suggested partitions. Believe it or not Linux really does know best.

8. Finish installation and reboot.

9. After your PC goes through post you will see a screen that ask you what OS you would like to boot.

10. Use the arrows to select Linux or Windows. If you do not choose an OS after a few seconds you will automatically boot into Linux by default.

Good Luck. If you have any questions E-Mail me and I'll help as best I can. You might be surprised how helpful most people are in the Linux community.

Answer 3

Yes, you can install as many operating systems as you like. Linux devotees don't usually sneer :)

You can indeed alter the partitions on your disk as much as you like. If you only have a single disk and a single partition, then reduce the partition size and create a second one. A 50/50 split would be fine. You can then install Linux on the second partition. Usually the Linux install routine will do this for you.

Answer 4

Yes, you can.

You can use Partition Magic to resize the partition of your existing OS. You can then create a new partition in the unpartitioned space and use it to install the new OS.

If your computer came with XP factory installed, you should be able to create restore CDs to restore your operating system. If you have not done this, you should do it as soon as possible. If for some reason you have a legitimate copy of windows that came with your computer and you do not have the ability to create a system restore CD you might want to look at using something like Norton Ghost to save a copy of your system.

Answer 5

Most modern Linux distros allow you to install them along with XP. What you want to do is setup your PC to Dual Boot. At power up you are asked if you want to run XP or Linux.

Go to the Linux web site and read the FAQ's, others have asked the same questions as you.

Answer 6

you would need to create a partition within the existing partition;;there is software that you can use that does this,,,but i dont have the info on hand right now,,,just open your search page and look for partitioning software.

Answer 7

purely purchase a 2nd not easypersistent and a replica of P. Then boot up your XP disk set up it to the 2nd harddrive. next discover out which disk is the grasp and that's the slave. set up a boot loader. i might advise GAG (The Graphical Boot loader). And set up that on the boot sector of the 1st disk. happy computing.