How To: Dual Booting Linux & Windows On Separate Hard Drives Part 1

As I mentioned in a previous article, I’ve been needing to install Windows for an art class I’m starting next month.  So after about a year and a half of being a complete linux convert, I’m putting windows back on my box.  But I’m keeping linux.  The solution — dual booting my machine.  I still have nightmares from dual booting my machine several years ago, and it’s not something I’d do on a whim.  However, I thought in all certainty with all the time that has passed, the process must be less harsh.  Whether it is or not is a matter of opinion, but this is exactly the problem I’m tackling here.

Overview

(Warning: The articles in this series may be fairly long.  I try not to skimp on steps, because this site is a repository of information that I actually use and reuse.  So I try to document and recount as much information as possible.  However in an effort to keep the size reasonable, I have broken the “how to” into digestible chucks and spread the information across several articles.)

• Article 1 covers Introductory Information and Preparations necessary before You Install Any Additional Operating System.
• Article 2 covers System information collection, Necessary Data backup, and Installing Windows.
• Article 3 covers editing the boot information on each hard drive to make the Dual Booting Process seamless.

This article is part of a series of three articles that detail how I got Ubuntu 64 Bit Hardy and Windows XP dual booting on my box while being installed on different hard drives.  It differs from some dual booting methods in that I already had linux installed prior to installing windows.  Just like anything else though, this method may not work for everyone as it is specific to my system configuration, and that plays a big part in setting up any software.  But you may be able to find some bits that help you in your own undertaking.

Also I wouldn’t advise doing this if you are at all hesitant or uncomfortable with tampering with partition tables, bios settings, system internals, and the physical guts of the computer system.  If you don’t do something right, there is a chance that you might lose data or your operating system may become inaccessible.  On the flip side though, it’s an awesome learning experience.  With that being said, let’s dive in!

The Problem:

I needed to install windows xp on my system and wanted it to be located on a separate hard drive than my ubuntu linux os.  It’s pretty easy to dual boot a machine if you install windows first and then linux.  However, I already had a finely tuned ubuntu hardy 64 box setup, and it didn’t make any sense to start all over.

Prerequisites:

Being prepared can make any task more pleasant.  So while it is usually hard for me to refrain from diving into a task head first, I took some time to gather some system information, collect some tools, and plan my attack.

Core Requirements:

Extra Hard Drive

The method I use is based on the fact that I’m installing the windows operating system on a separate hard drive.

Windows

All of this would be pretty fruitless if I didn’t have an alternate operating system to install.

The Ubuntu Installation CD

If any problems arise, this is what I’ll need for troubleshooting.  Also it’s just generally a good idea to have it around.

WinGrub

This nifty free windows utility is what I’ll be using at the end for directing the boot process between windows and linux.  You can find it here.

GNU Parted

This app makes partitioning easier on linux systems if you prefer a gui based tool.  Install via Synaptic Package Manager.

NTFS-3G

This application provides linux with full read/write access to NTFS filesystems.  Install via Synaptic Package Manager.

NTFSProgs

This utility allows you to manipulate NTFS partitions.  Install via Synaptic Package Manager.

Useful Tools (Not required, but highly recommended):

Screw Driver

Yes, I’ll be cracking the case and going inside the system, but not for anything too pressing.  My case uses thumb screws so I didn’t need one.  But they are handy to have on hand.

Paper

Not exactly web 2.0 style, but I’ll be printing out some configuration information and taking notes.  Nothing beats a hard copy when you run into trouble.

Thumb Drive

I backed up my boot files for linux on this just in case I messed up something.

Time

This isn’t a short install.  It’s more like a weekend project.

Positive Attitude

Problems occur and sometimes patience runs thin, but having an exceedingly positive attitude seems to power me through anything!

Check Back Tomorrow, I’ll be posting Part II in the series and actually getting into the install of the new operating system.

KJ

Related Articles

• How To: Dual Booting Linux & Windows On Separate Hard Drives Part 3
• How To: Dual Booting Linux & Windows On Separate Hard Drives Part 2
• Virtualization As An Alternative To Dual Booting Part 3
• Virtualization As An Alternative To Dual Booting Part 2
• Virtualization As An Alternative To Dual Booting Part 1