[patrickc284]

Ok.

What I want to do is have XP and Linux on my computer (and have the option of uninstalling and re-installing different versions of Linux.)

So do I just format my hard drive (and erase everything) and then install XP, then Linux?

And how can I uninstall Linux and re-install different versions?

[horndude]

thats the best way, wipe everything out and install XP,then linux, make sure you have enough space for both,although linux will be able to at least read your windows drive, and write to it too if not using NTFS

you will need a windows partition and a linux one, do the windows first, the linux one can be created when you install linux, just leave enough space,some distro's do this for you,some you have to do make the liux partition as part of the install process

to uninstall linux just just clear the partition its on

[patrickc284]

So will the XP setup disc (or the Linux disc) ask me if I want to make a partition or something and allow me to make one?

[TheMajor]

Yes, install XP before Linux. Any modern version of Linux will detect Windows and enable a boot menu.

You can format the Linux partitions and install a new version, but I am not sure if the new version will stil be able to detect Windows. Does anybody know?

Anyway, you can always do a FIXBOOT and stuff using the XP disc (recovery console) and you should be able to install another version of Linux.

[patrickc284]

Ok - sounds great. But good question:

You can format the Linux partitions and install a new version (of Linux), but I am not sure if the new version will stil be able to detect Windows (in context of a dual boot).

[horndude]

yes it will, even if it doesnt detect the other partition at install you'd only have to add a line to /etc/fstab pointing to it, linux supports prettymuch any filesystem these days with the exception of writing to NTFS, and that can be done, but its still experimental and not 100% reliable(not worth the risk)

[patrickc284]

hmm. well, let me say succinctly: sic!