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Dual boot Linux and WinXP....

How?

I'm currently running WinXP as my main and only OS. I want to try SuSE linux or Debian but i want to dual boot my machine (with the MS boot loader screen).

Also, can i have the two os's on the same drive?

Any tips before i start fucking about with my system? You know what happened last time! Tnx.

create a new partition and install the new os on it. then when you restart your pc it should give you the choice of picking either os. i think....., 'cause i checked my xp book and it says to have you should have the other os installed first then install xp on a new partition but i think it can work either way.

he's right ... with 2 boot sectors your computer will prompt you for the os you want to load. I did it for a long time with win2k & win98 for the not so compatible games ... should work, let us know if it doesn't

I hope that helps.

You'll actually need three partitions.

You'll need a windows part, linux part, and a swap partition... the swap doesn't need to be big... but it is necessary.

Put in the Linux disk... most distros come with a feature that will allow you to run a few basic commands as a psuedo-root account... you'll want cfdisk. Break your hard drive up as 3 different partitions. Flag your linux part as bootable and install linux (in most cases you'll want to make your linux partition /dev/hda2 or 3) During the installation, you'll more than likely be given the option to setup Lilo (a common boot manager) and your fstab. You'll need to identify your windows partition (as whatever part of the /dev/hda it is) and your linux partition (if it doesn't do it automatically).

After you're done installing Linux, you'll want to cfdisk again, and flag your windows partition as bootable. Install windows as you would normally. When you restart, you'll be "greeted" by the Lilo screen... and you'll be able to choose which to boot off of.

I usually only work with Slackware, so I'm not sure of the actual Debian or SuSe installation process (but it's gotta be friendlier than Slack's)... the most difficult part of the entire thing, if you're kinda new to running nix will be the networking configuration.

Good luck, and if you need any help, PM me.