How to Dual Boot XP & Ubuntu Partitions
When you are considering switching to a different operating system, it can be helpful to test that system out before you actually make the switch. Some software packages run on Windows but do not have an Ubuntu equivalent, but Ubuntu software is free and open source. You may want virus protection for your emails and web surfing, but you need Internet Explorer to use certain websites. Whatever the reason, having a dual boot of both Windows XP and Ubuntu can be helpful, and setting it up is a process that requires some preparation.
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Instructions
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Back up all of the files you want to make sure you keep, such as photos, music, documents and videos. Put them on a separate drive or partition where you are not making any changes.
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Insert your Ubuntu LiveCD in the CD ROM and boot the computer to it. You may need to adjust the settings in your computer's BIOS so it can boot to the CD drive.
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Choose to "Try Ubuntu" from the initial menu. Launch GParted from the "System" > "Administration" menu after Ubuntu finishes loading, and use it to partition the drive so both operating systems have room. Format the Windows partition as NTFS and save all of your work. Power down the computer and remove the Ubuntu LiveCD.
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Insert the Windows CD in the CD ROM and run the installation process. When you begin the installation, Windows asks if you want to install it onto the existing partition and warns you that everything will be deleted. Confirm that this is what you want to do. Finish installing Windows XP on the partition and remove the Windows XP CD from the drive.
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Insert the Ubuntu LiveCD in the CD ROM and follow the installation instructions. When it asks if you want to use the unused space on the hard drive for your Ubuntu installation, confirm that you do and finish the installation process.
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Boot your computer and when the screen comes up that offers you the option of booting to either Windows XP or to Ubuntu, use the keyboard arrows to highlight which you want to use and press "Enter."
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Tips & Warnings
This process works for any version of Windows as well as most distributions of Linux.
Some computers that come with Windows installed have a separate partition for recovery. This does not work for a dual boot. You must have an installation CD.
