Best practice: XP and Ubuntu w. OSS

[KingJehu]

Hello all,
I'm demoing the OSS product, and can't seem to figure out the best way to install ubuntu on my xp eeepc (Asus).
I have a 150 gig hard drive. I have xp installed with DDS w/ OSS.
I created a 20 gig partition to install ubuntu.
I don;t want grub to install to the main partition.
Whats the approach I should take????
I want to have the ability to just delete the ubuntu partition if needed.

[MudCrab]

First, I hope you create (or have created) a backup image of the entire drive before you install Ubuntu (just in case anything goes wrong).

Normally, what I do is install GRUB to the Ubuntu partition. To do this, you'll need to select the Advanced options on the install wizard at the appropriate point or use the alternate installer CD that gives you more control.

In previous tests with Ubuntu, installing GRUB to the MBR didn't cause a problem with OSS. OSS just needed to be reactivated. In the latest version of Ubuntu, I had to install GRUB manually because it didn't install itself correctly.

Don't forget you'll also need a Linux Swap partition.

I would hide the XP partition before installing Ubuntu. If GRUB does pick up the XP installation it will add it to the GRUB boot menu. There's no harm it that, though.

[KingJehu]

Backups are for wimps!!!! lol
Thanks for the tips, it worked out pretty well...
I'm going to do it all over again though. I had a couple of learning hiccups.
But everything is panning out.

Also, I tried to set the xp partition as hidden when doing the ubuntu install, but linux still saw it... strange.

[KingJehu]

BTW - it is at all possible to create a USB flash drive with multiple OSes on it with Acronis?

I make little multiboot usb drives with erd commander, BartPE, and my Company's own Winpe. it would be nice to be able to setup a thumb drive with OSS.

[MudCrab]

Even if it would work, I would strongly recommend against having OSS installed on a flashdrive as a boot manager.

I use Grub4DOS on my flashdrives. It's easy to install, maintain and generally works well. I've booted BartPE and multiple WinPE setups from the same flashdrive. If you only need one BartPE and one WinPE setup, it's easier.