The definitive dual-booting guide: Linux, Vista and XP step-by-step

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warned18 August 200810 days ago.

Ever wondered about how exactly to set up your PC to dual-boot between Linux, Windows XP or Vista? We've done the hard work and put together a totally step-by-step guide with screenshots. It's so easy Your Grandmother Could Do It (tm).

If you've ever asked for advice on how to set up dual-booting, you've doubtlessly come across online tutorials that only tell part of the story.

You probably ended up spending all weekend researching the intricacies of adjusting partition sizes, boot loaders, installing operating systems in the right order, and other fun topics.

Well, we have good news: we have put together the definitive dual-booting guide.

We've thoroughly tested these methods and taken screenshots of every step, and we keep them up-to-date, each time a new service pack of Windows is released, or a new version of Ubuntu Linux. We aim to have the world's best information on dual-booting operating systems!

So... enjoy!
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Paul George (New user):

I was using Grub to boot XP and Linux, but this is much better.
Good article.

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Nanoxy (New user):

I like to say thanks to the APC.MAG. Because I'm running Ubuntu in my Vista PC. So I have dual boot Vista installed first and Ubuntu 8.04. Because of the step by step guide on how to I was able to dual boot Vista and Ubuntu., And Im very happy and everything went smoothly with no problem. Once again muchas gracias!!!

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YF Liang (New user):

So, if I were to start with a blank PC, which would be your
preferred OS to install first? Install Windows (XP/Vista),
or Linux first? Thanks.

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Rad (New user):

Can you do a guide on how to dual boot VISTA 32 and 64 bit or how to move from 32 to 64?

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kitegeezer (New user):

Very nice.

can we move on to multi boot?


i have followed your instructions an now have dual boot with vista installed first

I want to go to multi boot - Visa installed first (xp installed second by your instructions) and ubuntu

in order vista xp linux (ubuntu)

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Ken collins (New user):

I followed instructions in loading XP on to OS with Vista already installed inserted XP CD Install screen came on clicked Install this message came up "this program is blocked due to compatibility issues" because the OS on Computer is newer than XP How do I get past this?? Ken Collins

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Pasquale (New user):

I havee a HP m9250f computer with Windows vista Premium installed. I want to install and dual boot Windows XP Professional. I have received instructions from HP on how to do this. I am able to partition my hard drive OK, but when I restart and try boot from my XP CD, the drive just spins for a few minutes and the system boots up normally with Vista. If I restart and hit the Escape key at the first blue screen, I then get the boot selection menu. I then choose the CD/DVD option, press any key to continue and I get the Windows Setup screen. The problem is, the partition option select screen that shoulod appear doesn't. Instead the software starts loading files and drivers. When this is finished a message appears saying that Windows is starting up. Then I get a screen that says Windows has been shut down because of potential damage to my system. There is no way to get out of this screen except to power off.

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Riddla (New user):

can you triple boot xp,vista, and suse linux 10.0?

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dromonbylad (New user):

How about a gude on how to triple boot XP, Vista and Linux(Ubuntu). I have a new Vista Ultimate 64bit PC and wish to add XP (for older games and support for my old film scanner) as well as try Ubuntu linux. I can start with a clean hard drive.

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kitegeezer (New user):

Still no step by step for tripple boot?

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