[lug] RE: Dual Boot with Windows XP (J. Wayde Allen)

[Joe Betts]

Dual boot with XP is a problem. I've heard it said that XP wants to own the 
boot partition.

I have a Linux desktop that came with XP on it (as all machines do these days 
I suppose).  Although GRUB installed and I can get to Linux, I can't get back 
to XP.  I suspect a third party boot controller, such as System Commander, 
(http://www.v-com.com/)  may be necessary.  But be sure to get the latest 
version -- version 7.  I have a copy but I haven't used it yet.  If you can 
wait a few days, I'll try it and post the findings here.

As far as the other partitions are concerned, they are probably done by the 
manufacturer.  But also, I think XP has a built in capability for remote 
troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair.  I'd leave them in place just in 
case something needed to be done in that fashion.  For example, if a new BIOS 
load is needed, chances are you'll have to boot in XP to install it.  I 
haven't heard of anyone providing that capability in Linux just yet.

Joe Betts