Why is it difficult to install Windows when Linux is already installed?

Answer 1

By using the Windows partitioner to make space by reszing partitions and installing Windows, then reinstalling the Linux bootloader. It is generally considered better form to install Windows first and then Linux.

Answer 2

Install Windows first, if you have not installed either yet. After it is installed, just install Linux to the other partition or disk. Most modern Linux distributions use GRUB, which will detect and automatically configure a menu for you to choose from when you start the computer.

Answer 3

You simply run your Windows XP install disk, when you get to the partitioning stage, delete the Linux partition and swap space and tell the installer to use the unallocated space that comes out.

The Windows XP installer will automatically partition and format the drive.

Also, the Windows XP installer will invariably overwrite the MBR with its own bootloader whether you want it to or not, so you shouldn't have to worry about GRUB or LILO will still pop up and error out because their configuration is gone.

On the other hand, the installer's complete disregard for what the user wants it to do about installing the Windows bootloader can be a headache for dual-booters, as the Windows installer tends to ignore any non-Windows operating systems on the PC when it configures the bootloader, effectively locking Linux out of the system. As in, Linux is still there, as is the second stage bootloader it uses, but NONE of it sees the light of day by default when NTLDR is set up.

Most people who dual boot with Windows and Linux stick with Linux's GRUB bootloader, as it's far more flexible and accessible to them than Windows' NTLDR. And fortunately, GRUB is easy to restore to the MBR (The same cannot be said for NTLDR, Microsoft just assumes you want to use their bootloader, not caring about any other OS the user might want to have).

Answer 4

The easiest way is to install Windows first, then install your distribution of Linux second.

Answer 5

Boot with Windows install disk and follow instructions. Recommend unplugging Linux hard drive if you plan to dual-boot.

Answer 6

Windows does not know how to resize Linux partitions or add Linux to its bootloader. It is also rather particular about where on the hard drive it is installed to.

Answer 7

Simply, format the hard drive with the Windows installation disk and install Windows. Be sure to make backups of your important data before formatting.