Installing Linux and then 'repairing' XP back into VMware?

Question

I just got a Dimension 3000 with XP preloaded.  It did not come with XP CDs for reinstallation, but I think the repair partition is capable of restoring the operating system.   I want to make Fedora Linux my base O/S, install VMware Workstation, and then run XP under VMware.  Can I use the repair partition to restore XP into VMware?  Or would that be a bad idea because the virtualized devices under VMware will be different?   Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I would like to do this in a couple of days.   Thanks, Kevin

dsbInspiron · Answer

Restoring XP that way may be a bad idea, I think the repair partition does many more things besides just reinstalling windows, it also attempts to put everything back to a state it was in when you orinally got it.  I am not 100% with VMware, is there any advanatage to running windows under it?  If you think it would be a great benefit, it may be worth trying.

Kevin in Austin · Answer

I need to run Linux and Windows simultaneously, and VMware provides this very nicely, but you typically do a fresh installation of Windows inside the VMware virtual machine.   I purchased a Windows XP license from Dell (in fact, I was forced to) and now Dell seems to be limiting the way in which I can use it.  Why not provide me with XP CDs to go along with my purchase?!?  Surely I'm not supposed to go purchase *another* copy of XP for this machine?   Thanks!

dsbInspiron · Answer

No need to purchase the cd, just call them up and tell them the one time CD creating wizard didn't work and you need the cds, they should mail them to you! When you

dsbInspiron · Answer

No need to purchase the cd, just call them up and tell them the one time CD creating wizard didn't work and you need the cds, they should mail them to you!

When you buy a pc/laptop from dell now, they charge you 10 bucks if you want the CD.

Message Edited by dsbInspiron on 09-16-2005 01:48 PM

Kevin in Austin · Answer

Thank you, I've ordered the CD.

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Installing Linux and then "repairing" XP back into VMware?

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