Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

dual OS possible?;healthy for computer?

Mar 9, 2004 6:47AM PST

I am interested in installing Red Hat Linux 9 on my computer. Is it possible to have both XP and Linux and choose which one to use at startup? Is it "healthy" for my computer?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re:dual OS possible?;healthy for computer?
Mar 9, 2004 7:05AM PST

yes, it is possible to do what you want. But remember you will have to install Linux first as XP must be installed FIRST. There is a dual boot option in Linux, I believe it is caLLed something like Grub.

Richard

- Collapse -
Re:Re:dual OS possible?;healthy for computer?
Mar 9, 2004 7:11AM PST

u said i have to install Linux first, and that XP must be installed first?

will this slow my computers general performance or just startup?

- Collapse -
Re:Re:Re:dual OS possible?;healthy for computer?
Mar 9, 2004 9:23AM PST

XP has to be installed first followed by Linux.

But the trick is to leave say 3~5GB of unallocated (free) space on your HDD and then install XP on the C Drive.

Next boot with the Linux CD and install Linux on the unused/free space letting it partition and format the free space for Linux.

Then during the set up install GRUB for the dual-boot loader.

There is no effect on the performance of each OS.

At a later stage if you decide to remove Linux simply use XP's Disk Management to delete all the Linux partitions.
Then boot into the XP Recovery Console and FIXMBR which will then remove the Linux GRUB boot-loader and let you boot directly into XP.

Have fun...

- Collapse -
(NT) Back up all your files before you attempt this...
Mar 9, 2004 9:24AM PST

.

- Collapse -
Re:Re:dual OS possible?;healthy for computer?
Mar 9, 2004 10:39AM PST

YES, YOU CAN DUAL BOOT your Windows XP with Red Hat Linux 9 (I did it).
The installation sequence is not important; the thing is to make sure you are ready to:
1.) Loose your Windows XP login temporarily (after installing Linux). Maybe it doesn?t happen. but, sometimes you have to reinstall Windows XP (no problem).
2.) Reboot your computer in case of a problem. You need first download "Ranish Partition Manager" and change the boot manager, in case of problem (after the Linux installation).
Its better to install Linux after Windows XP, because his boot manager called GRUB will do the job for you, if everything goes right.
If you need you can can contact me at rubacow@superig.com.br