Replacing Windows XP with Linux Mint in a Multiboot system.

My current configuration is a multiboot system with three partitions on my system drive (disk 0). Partition D/Windows XP, Partition E/Data Set Partition, and Partition C/Windows 7. My secondary drive, which is not really relative to this dialog has 4 partitions for system backups, system and application paging areas, and a frees space area. This system works flawlessly, with Windows 7 managing the initial boot process.

My primary goal, and the basis for this posting is to find the best way to replace my Windows XP partition with Linux Mint. Which of the following makes the most sense, or is there yet another less hazardous path?

1. Install Linux over XP?
Should I just clean format the current XP partition and install Linux Mint over it, leaving the windows 7 partition in tact? Will the Windows 7 boot menu still function even though it is actually thinks it is offering an XP boot option which in reality would be Linux.

2. Ground Zero approach?
Should I reformat the entire drive and set up the three blank partitions followed by a clean intall (yikes) of Windows 7, Followed by a clean install of Linux, and then, I am guessing installing Grub to manage the boot process.? I don't think I can use an image file backup of windows 7 (image for dos) since it will be expecting an XP boot option. Windows 7 will not allow me to backup/restore Win 7 without Win XP.

Disk map is attached.

Help

First, I would install EasyBCD in Windows 7. Then I'd install Linux over XP - pick 'something else' during the partitioning stage and you can tell it exactly what to do - check the box to 'format' that partition to ext4. . On that same screen, make sure to specify that grub be installed in that same partition as Linux, not the MBR. I'd also create a small swap partition on the second drive where you say you have some free space, 4GB or so.

Boot to Windows, use EasyBCD to delete the XP entry and create a grub2 Linux entry EasyBCD will automatically detect the correct partition.

That should do it.

Thank you very much. This exactly the approach I will take, with the possible exception of giving Visual BCD Editor a spin as a free alternative.

bonjourbob said:

Thank you very much. This exactly the approach I will take, with the possible exception of giving Visual BCD Editor a spin as a free alternative.

Just so you know, EasyBCD is also free - I've used it for years, and has proven a very trusty and useful tool.

Good luck with your setup!