dual boot question

[geeknoob]

My instructor wants us to install Ubuntu into a dual boot with xp as the primary load. He has told us to research how to do this as Ubuntu will want to take over as the primary. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated as I am extremely new to Linux.

I haven't downloaded it yet but will once I get whatever info is necessary to accomplish this.

Thanks

[dino99]

follow this little help

http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=10161428&postcount=2

[kansasnoob]

My instructor wants us to install Ubuntu into a dual boot with xp as the primary load. He has told us to research how to do this as Ubuntu will want to take over as the primary. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated as I am extremely new to Linux.

I haven't downloaded it yet but will once I get whatever info is necessary to accomplish this.

Thanks

Which version of Ubuntu did you download? If it's 10.10 (aka: Maverick) you should find this useful:

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1622388

Particularly pay attention to post #15, the problem with destroying Windows partitions is now even mentioned in the release notes:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MaverickMeerkat/ReleaseNotes#Boot,%20installation,%20upgrade%20and %20post-install


In dual boot installs, side-by-side partitioning can be overridden by the user, resulting in data loss. After selecting the "Install alongside other operating systems" option, clicking on either the "Use entire partition" of "Use entire disc" buttons will override the side-by-side partitioning and result in a loss of data.

This is also an excellent source of info for dual/multi-booting:

http://members.iinet.net/~herman546/index.html

Please let us know if you desire more help, and welcome to the community.

[Megaptera]

I hope your instructor reminded you to backup everything on your existing XP (docs,photos etc etc) to external media just in case?