Windows 7 dual boot with Linux

[kitepilot at kitepilot.com]

Hello there...
My opinion: 

Any distro will do. 

Clone your Window$ with:
Install the empty HD in your box, boot it with a Debian live CD, create 
partitions and install filesystems and then:
mount -o ro /dev/sda1 /mnt/sda1
mount -tntfs-3g /dev/sdb1 /mnt/sdb1
(cd /mnt/sda1;tar cf - .)|(cd /mnt/sdb1;tar xf -)
Linux will fix your boot record after install.
If you want to duplicate Linux the same way, do first:
cp /mnt/sda1/etc/passwd /mnt/sda1/etc/group /mnt/sda1/etc/shadow /etc 

If you want to boot Window$ virtual and stand alone (I do it all the time 
but you may need a Win DVD to 'repair' the system every time you switch):
http://www.rajatarya.com/website/taming-windows-virtualbox-vm 

I've done this many times.
ET 

PS: and always remember:
If you have any question,
you will get any answer...   :) 


G Gambill writes: 

> My wife's laptop (Windows 7 Home on 64 bit) seems to have lost the boot
> sector. The Windows came on the laptop so no Windows install DVD's. 
> 
> I just bought a 1 TB Western Digital drive Looking to partition half for
> Linux and half for Windows (probably 7 pro) dual boot windows 7 and Linux
> (for me) 
> 
> I am hoping to install Linux first then Windows after I find a reasonable
> priced copy.
> Question: 
> 
> 1) Is it reasonable to install Linux first and have Windows installed later
> as the default boot (Wife's computer)? 
> 
> 2) When is the next installfest? 
> 
> 3) Is this (partition and install Linux) something you folks can do at the
> next installfest such that I can install Windows later? 
> 
> 4) Is there a better way? 
> 
> 5) Which Linux version is recommended? 
> 
> TIA
> George