Can't install Windows XP and Ubuntu linux on same computer

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erupt
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Can't install Windows XP and Ubuntu linux on same computer

Post by erupt »

..with 2 separate hard drives. I have 2 separate hard drives which i want to have windows xp pro which i'm using my dell installation cd and ubuntu which i downloaded free of charge. Why won't windows install on a separate hard drive and vica versa with linux? It tells me that my hard drive doesn't have a valid windows partition when i create a new raw partition on my 'D' hard drive when the 2 hard drives are separate (i have linux installed on my 'C' hard drive) .... i'm very confused, probably something i'm missing, also sort of a newbie cuz i've never tried 2 OS's on one machine before. A little help would be awesome.
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neophyte
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Post by neophyte »

I'm just guessing because I've never installed multiple OS's on different drives -- always on the same drive. Install winXP first. Partition your drive and then install Ubuntu. Then GRUB will pick up on both bootable partitions. Use the second drive to store your files. There is probably a way to do what you're talking about, but it would involve manually adjusting GRUB and some auto mount stuff to be sure.
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Weirdan
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Post by Weirdan »

Windows tries to install its own boot loader on the first disk. Since it can't - it dies. Either allocate additional ntfs/fat partition on your first hard drive (it doesn't have to be large, 50-100MB is enough), or install your windows on the first hd and linux - on the second.
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neophyte
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Post by neophyte »

If this is your first install you might consider Mepis. It has a nice graphic installer with visual tools available for partitioning your drives. Or if you want something really user friendly try Freespire.
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akimm
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yes..

Post by akimm »

I think what you're going to want to do is look into a partioner program..


Partition commander and partition magic come to mind immediately..

Check into that. Just remember, windows is very GREEDY with space, so what I think you should do is either reinstall the windows onto the proper hardrive, or maybe slave your drive (if i read right you have 2 hardrives) and send all the info over to hardrive 2, then have hardrive 1 for ubuntu.

however, why not just do a dual boot. GRUB facilitates very nicely a windows loader and a linux loader.
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Jenk
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Post by Jenk »

Install windows on the master disk first, then install ubuntu on the slave disk - but ensure that GRUB is installed on the master disk's MBR.

Aim for a structure like:

Code: Select all

Disk1 (hda): |GRUB| -- windows -- |
Disk2 (hdb): |swap| -- ubuntu  -- |
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