How to install win XP on Linux Ubuntu ?

leewan SG

Hi, guys. Just bought a PC with linux ubuntu and thot can DIY install win xp on it. Searched on google and all involved some level of programming.

So is it possible to run the win xp installation CD on linux ubuntu and install it directly. I only have the win xp installation cd and MS office installation CD. No boot up CD.

Can please xplain to me in simple terms as i'm not a comp xpert. And also where can i get a bootup CD as i tink i lost mine ?

Thanks in advance.

Phaze SG

As far as I'm aware, Win XP installation CDs are bootable. If your PC is not booting from the Win XP CD, you probably need to check the BIOS to verify that the CD-ROM drive is in the boot sequence before the hard drive. Basically, your PC should try to boot from the CD-ROM drive before it tries to boot from the hard drive.

Different motherboards have different methods to access the BIOS so you have to check your motherboard manual. Otherwise, there's usually some instructions on the screen when you boot up. Eg. Press F1 to enter Setup.

If you want to dual boot Ubuntu and Windows, it's probably better to reformat and install Windows first, and then install Ubuntu. This is because linux distros are designed to play nice with other operating systems while Win XP is a selfish bastard.

If all this sounds totally alien to you, it might be better for you to find someone to do it for you, or show you how to do it.

dumbdumb! SG

get a mac

playmemory SG

Firstly, you should be able to boot from the winxp installation CD.

Next you must have all the drivers.

If you donno how to install winxp, ask someone who know to help you.

leewan SG

One more thing, are ms office docs,xcl compatible with linux ubuntu ?

And supposing i dun want ubuntu at all, can i just install win xp wif linux ubuntu running or do i need to uninstall it first, then install win xp ?

Jamie Zawinski SG

install them in diff partitions and use a boot manager

playmemory SG

ubuntu linux is using open office so not all the msoffice document will be compatible.

unless you know linux very well, you can have dual boot of the operating system of winxp and ubunto linux. You will need to shrink the partitions before you can do that. On the other hand, what you can do is just install winxp and wipe out ubuntu linux.

ndmmxiaomayi SG

You will need to repair your GRUB or whatever boot manager you are using if you install Linux first, then Windows.

Don't ask me why, I would like to know why MS keeps spoiling things.

Restore GRUB after installing Windows

If you have nothing on Linux, you can wipe out Linux, install Windows, followed by Linux.

1. Put in Windows CD and boot up to it

2. Delete all partitions

3. Create at least 3 partitions (1 for Windows, 2 for Linux). Format the first one in NTFS or FAT32. I recommend NTFS as it's more stable. If you crash a FAT32 system too often, you will end up having to keep on formatting and install Windows.

4. Install Windows on the first partition

5. Boot up to Ubuntu CD

6. Choose Advanced partitioning

7. Format the rest of the partitions (excluding the NTFS partition, which is your Windows partition).

8. Set the main Linux partition drive size. Make sure you leave enough for Swap.

9. Set the Swap partition to use about twice of your computer. For example, you have 1GB of RAM. Set the Swap partition to 2GB. You can set more, no problems with it.

10. Select the main Linux partition, set it to install at / (yes, it's just a forward slash). Format it with either ext2 or ext3 and install Linux on it

leewan SG

"On the other hand, what you can do is just install winxp and wipe out ubuntu linux."

I think i will follow that.

So by default, if i put in the win xp CD and put BIOS to boot up from there, does it automatically overides linux or do i still need to uninstall linux. Stupid question( bear wif me , )but how do i uninstall an OS ? Is there a control panel( add or remove program) or something on linux ?

ndmmxiaomayi SG

Windows will wipe out everything.

1. Boot up to Windows CD

2. Agree to the license agreement (press F8)

3. Delete all partitions, press D to delete, press L to confirm, repeat for all partitions

4. Press C to create partition

And the rest will be configured automatically.

leewan SG

Thanks alot guys. Managed to install win xp sucessfully.

caleb_chiang SG

Win XP installation CD Itself is a boot up cd leh...

Piin SG

Why would you want to install WinXP over Linux? /endtroll

Ok, seriously, you can't install WinXP on Ubuntu unless you're looking to emulate it through a third party software like cedega *previously known as winex.

If you're looking into wiping out Ubuntu and replacing it with WinXP, insert the WinXP install disk into your cd-drive, reboot it and boot via cd. This will kick start the installation process for WinXP and from there, it's largely clicking about and dancing with your mouse!

ndmmxiaomayi SG

It's already solved.

I guess I shall close this then to prevent further replies.