Want to Install Linux on existing XP machine

If you need to run both OS (XP and linux) you should install VMware on the linux machine and install Linux inside the VMware software...Like that the system will boot from XP and you'll be able to run Linux over VMware and use it as separet  OS on another machine

Are you looking to dual-boot the machine? If so try reading and following this guide for ubuntu. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot

I used dual boot, tried it today but have not tested it yet, I'm going to look at those vwware appliances though. In my case I installed ubuntu on a secondary HD with Vista on the primary.

I would try http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/downloadmirrors#wubi if you want to dual-boot with your windows. I haven't tried it on Vista yet, but I love it on XP Pro. It was so easy to use for a non-linux savvy guy like me. Not to mention that Ubuntu in general works really well for new linux users. Good luck!

Be aware however, that if you setup a dual boot system as suggested above, you will be best served if you have a Volume License Key (VLK) for your Windows XP or you'll run into windows activation issues.

Lars

Thank you all for your expert suggestions. I will try with VM ware. If I am successful, then I will try for dual boot. I will update

thanks

Hi -
I have installed VMPLAYER and when I open it , it gives me 3 choices, Open ( browse for virtual machines) , Download . Can you please shed some light here. How do I proceed from here? I don't have linux installed yet.

thanks

You have to browse for the VM and look for the one you want to open, I'm going to wait for other because I'm doing the same and I get a line 1 Syntax error when I try to run the Player. I had the file already and tried both ways with same result.

If you want to build your own Linux virtual machine, you will also have to download the free Virtual Server, or, as I said in my previous comment, you can also download and use pre-built Linux "appliances" from this page:

http://www.vmware.com/appliances/

In the righthand column of the above page are a list of the most downloaded appliances, and included are several varieties of Linux.

My apologies LeeTutor.  I missed that post earlier.  I didn't realize they offered free appliance VM's now. Looks like I'll be spending some time on the VMWare website to see what goodies they have now.

What I would like to do is install ubantu the vmserver. then install oracle. Is this possible. I have installed 30 days free trial and chose ubantu as OS. How do I install ubantu now ?

thanks

When I start the VM workstation, I am getting options install ubuntu, check for cd defects, test memory. What ever option I choose, nothing is happening. Am I missing some thing?

thanks

I'm assuming that you have started VMWare and booted the Ubuntu CD on the virtual machine.
This should work just like a real machine, except you interact through the VMWare window.  Make sure that you have clicked in the window -- it may be that the VMWare machine does not have control of the keyboard.  

Dear experts -

I have successfully installed oracle enterprise linux server with VM ware. Now I have question which is kind of final, When I boot my xp vm services are starting. there are 3 or 4 services. Is there a way that I can start them on my own. I don't want to set the properties of each service

thanks

You should be able to go to Settings -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Component Services and find the services that you want to change from Automatic to Manual.  

I usually respond pretty fast. I had some medical issues with my left shoulder for which I had undergone for surgery. I am able to run linux inside vista using VMware. thanks for all the help