How can i install linux mint but keep My current os of Xp?
Sunday, January 2nd, 2011 at
21:14
Hi, i want to keep my current os windows xp but install linux mint. Is it possible to do this by partitioning, if so how do i do it?
Also, will this slow down my laptop or anything like that? Remove any programs etc. Will it all be safe?
Thank you 
Tagged with: laptop • Linux • mint • os windows • partitioning • windows xp
Filed under: Linux
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Yes you can do that, it’s called dual booting. Just run the Mint Live CD and click on the install button when everything’s running. Select the ‘use free space" option and Mint will install without touching your XP. In the GRUB (or boot menu) at the end of the install add Windows to the list (just follow the easy instructions) and decide which you wish to have boot by default , XP or Linux. At boot time if you want the other one you just select it.
It won’t slow down your laptop at all, though using Mint will make it run faster, using XP will be just the same as it is now. Mint will not remove any of your programs, but the biggest shock most Windows newbies discover is that when using Mint (or any Linux) you don’t need anti virus nor anti malware programs since viruses and malware don’t infect Linux computers.
You don’t have to partition ur hard disc urself… when u’r installing Linux, it’ll do this by itself. Ur windows xp installation will be fine… dont worry.
ARe you familiar with Linux Mint? I only ask cause there are many other out there. Well no you will be fine. When you are done- there will be a Linux windows giving yo two options.. LINUX or Windows
Ive done this over a dozen times. Just clean the drive clean- U DO know that Linux doesnt go onto ONE Partition right? DOnt worry if mint has a self install- it will do it for you or confuse you with technical format questions..
Just take 50/50
50% for WIndows and 50% for Linux Partition.. The Mint Should break up the partition itself.
Worst scenario is you’ll have to mak eother partition in LINUXs 50%
linux has a great choice of other LINUX’s AND help with installing-Live CD
http://iso.linuxquestions.org/
Install Linux Mint 7 inside Windows using the mint4win installer (not available for Linux Mint
You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint. mint4win does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.
mint4win keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.
Boot in to windows insert the Linux Mint 7 LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the mint4win installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Linux Mint (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.
Once Linux Mint 7 is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Linux Mint 7
Linux Mint 7 Download
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38
Linux Mint 7 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive
LUg.