Linux + XP + Vista

GuitarFreak1857 · 08-03-2008, 05:59 PM

SO, i just got a new 640GB hdd and i plan on installing xp vista and hopefully some linux distribution ( i have never tried linux but i want to). I've done some research and come to the conclusion i should try mandriva (feel free to steer me toward something better suited for a linux nub). So my question is what order do i install these OSs? I'm not really sure what to expect with the linux installation so i was hoping someone could help

~thanks

philbar71 · 08-03-2008, 08:30 PM

i currently have vista x64 ultimate win xp home an ubuntu all on the same machine. first i installed xp and then vista then for linux i put on a old junker ide driver and set that to boot first and then the linux boot loader comes up and i choose btw vista xp linux. thats just how i did it

Mak213 · 08-03-2008, 09:41 PM

Well with the Windows you should ALWAYS start with the oldest one first. So in your case. XP. Then install Vista. Linux can be installed before or after it doesnt matter. Just use teh guides located at APCMag.

How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots

Cheers,
Mak

Greg · 08-03-2008, 10:00 PM

Don't use Mandriva, use Ubuntu. Ubuntu is good for starters, too.

GuitarFreak1857 · 08-03-2008, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mak213

Well with the Windows you should ALWAYS start with the oldest one first. So in your case. XP. Then install Vista. Linux can be installed before or after it doesnt matter. Just use teh guides located at APCMag.

How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots

Cheers,
Mak

should i go by this?

How to dual boot Windows XP and Linux (XP installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg

Don't use Mandriva, use Ubuntu. Ubuntu is good for starters, too.

ok i'll go with Ubuntu then! thanks

Mak213 · 08-03-2008, 10:52 PM

Hello,

Yes that would be the guide you would want to go by. I just gave a link to the site cause i know they have a drop down menu to select each different guide.

Cheers,
Mak

CalcProgrammer1 · 08-04-2008, 12:13 AM

If you have the choice, INSTALL VISTA SECOND. I made the huge mistake of installing XP last, which ruined Vista's bootloader, and I had to mess around with recovery CD's all day to get it back. You CAN do a tri-boot with Vista first (I had to because it's a manufacturer-preinstall on a laptop) but it is not recommended. Also, remember to get SATA drivers for your XP disc if you need them. Install Linux LAST, as the GRUB bootloader that Linux installs will be the bootloader that will load any of your OS'es (it works with all three and is very easy to configure).

Greg · 08-04-2008, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuitarFreak1857

ok i'll go with Ubuntu then! thanks

Do it, you'll like it. Just don't be put off by the ugliness of the default theme, everything is customizable.

CalcProgrammer1 · 08-04-2008, 12:28 PM

Yeah, Ubuntu is the best distro out there, in my opinion. I for one don't hate the default theme like most people, I kinda like it and don't bother switching on most PC's (usually my main PC gets a Vista-ish theme though, all the rest stay default). It's incredibly easy to use, installing packages is simple, and it is very stable. Installation is easy too.

GuitarFreak1857 · 08-04-2008, 09:01 PM

ok thanks for all of you for responding, but i have a new problem.

First when i downloaded xp 64bit from MSDN it gave me a .zip file that i extracted. I could not create an image because there wasn't an ISO file when i extracted. It extracted a lot of folders and files. I have no idea what to do next, I'm not familiar with this software. Can anyone help?

~thanks

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