Triple Boot Windows 7, XP and Ubuntu by using USB

Last time I share how to dual boot pre-installed Windows 7 with Windows XP. Now I will share how to install Ubuntu from dual boot to triple boot. This time I also using netbook (actually I only have Netbook ), so I will still using USB drive. However the procedure is same if you use CD/DVD, you just need CD/DVD Writer- ROM and burn ISO to it. The step below also can use for dual boot Windows 7 with Ubuntu, if you do not have Windows XP.

 

Before we start, you need to prepare these things:

1. Windows 7 or Windows XP installed PC (windows 7 is better)
2. EasyBCD – download here
3. Ubuntu Live ISO – download here (the link will bring to latest version Ubuntu, if you prefer older version, just google and you will find it)
4. Unetbootin – download here
5. Minimum 5GB disk space (shrink and create partition – tutorial)
6. 2GB > USB drive

Before start, if you do not want to partition your hard drive or take risk. You can always use Wubi Installer to install Ubuntu in Windows 7 or XP. But the Ubuntu will run slightly slow and cannot Hibernate.

 

1. Set up USB Drive

You need the Unetbootin, open it. (See Screenshot below)

 

Select the Distribution and Version. Here I will select Ubuntu and Version 11.10, but the procedure is same if you want to install Kubuntu, Mythbuntu, Xubuntu or other distribution.

After that select the disk image you download from Ubuntu and select the USB drive (make sure choose the right letter). After done click OK.

Wait the setup finish, save your work and reboot.

2. Install Ubuntu

Connect USB Drive and power on PC. On PC manufacture logo screen (after press power button), boot into BIOS setup. Select boot USB drive.

My Acer Aspire One is F2 to BIOS Setup and Toshiba is F12.
Other manufacturers may use other keys, e.g. F8 or F12.

 

After that select DEFAULT or TRY UBUNTU WITHOUT INSTALLING (See Screenshot below)

Wait and Ubuntu will boot into this screen. Make sure all of your hardware is working (e.g: wireless device, bluetooth, sound…). If something not working, try another version. After all done click Install Ubuntu.

Select your language and click continue.

Make sure you have at least 4.4GB. If you want download update and third party software(mp3, avi, wmv codec…) then connect your Ubuntu to Internet and tick the both option.

Just continue or select network.

You can select install alongside with existing OS, but I recommend to choose Something Else to install Ubuntu in partition that you have shrink.

Select the Free Space you have shrink and click Add and enter 1024MB (depend on you, but 1024 is enough) and choose Use As as Swap area.

Click on the Free Space left and Add this Use As as Ext4 and mount point as /

 

Change the Device for boot loader installation to the partition that you install Ubuntu (mount point as / ).

 

After that click Install Now and follow instruction to enter user name, password, time zone…and wait the installation finish and reboot into Windows 7.

 

3. Set up EasyBCD

Run EasyBCD and select Add New Entry. Select Linux/BSD, select type GRUB2 and enter the name. Click Add Entry.

If GRUB2 cannot work, try GRUB (Legacy) (normally use for more than two linux) and select the partition you install Ubuntu. Click Add Entry.

Reboot and you will see the OS selection screen. Select Ubuntu and enjoy!

 

That’s all!!

Thanks…