Tri boot?

I want to install XP, Vista and Ubuntu on my laptop.

Both Vista and Ubuntu would install and "see" XP but then what happens when installing the third OS?

If I install Vista last it might not "see" Ubuntu and add it to the boot up list from what I have heard....if I install Ubuntu last would that work?

 

For the least complications, I would install in this order:
1. XP
2. Vista
3. Ubuntu

You install XP as usual, then install Vista. It will automatically pick up the "previous version of Windows."
Then you install Ubuntu, and its bootloader will detect and add both XP and Vista. From that point on, you'll use Ubuntu's bootloader.

Why people do these complicated boot setups for anything but fun I will always be baffled, but whatever floats your boat...

 

I would recommend ubuntu last as grub is able to identify both xp and vista.

 

These all sound like good suggestions. I recently got a new hard drive (320gb) mostly for the purpose of loading three OS's and having enough room to be comfortable.

Had I researched this more thoroughly I should have installed in the suggested order mentioned in this thread. Instead I installed in the order of the OS I would probably use most. I ended up installing XP first, then Ubuntu, and finally Windows 7. XP and Ubuntu was no problem with the GRUB menu. I previously had a dual boot of those two for about a year with no problems. But installing Win7 installed a separate boot menu which didn't play nice with Grub. Eventually I had to use a SuperGrub CD to fix my Grub. Plus I downloaded Easy BCD to tailor the Win7 boot menu to my liking. There's probably a more efficient way to do this but I ended up with the Grub menu always popping up first. It gives me a choice between Windows or Ubuntu. If I choose Windows, I'm presented with a 2nd menu offering Win7 and XP. For now, this works fine for me.

And regarding why one might want to setup these "complicated boot setups", I think you end up with what seems like three computers in one. A Linux computer, an XP computer and a Windows 7 computer. 3 for the price of 1. It's a bargain.

 

Yeah? How often do you use those other systems? What is the purpose of both XP and Windows 7?
I used to dual boot, I know all of the possible uses, but in reality, you rarely wanna reboot just to switch your OS. The OS doesn't matter so much, what matters is what you're running.
Now for supporting people on each respective OS, I TOTALLY get that. I used to do the same thing... of course, I just use Virtual Machines for that one though.

 

1. XP
2. Vista
3. Ubuntu

Thought so, thanks.

 

Not sure what your post just proved, but okay, got me.

 

Actually I wont be installing Vista, I meant to say Windows 7, lol.

Therefore XP to use as my main OS, Windows 7 to play around with and Ubuntu as a backup OS.

Also I really like Ubuntu and use it quite often, I need XP for certain software though, primarily Nikon Capture NX2.

 

My post didn't prove anything, lol. I was just saying that was the order I thought would work and you confirmed it for me.

You might wanna chill out a bit.

 

Oh, my bad.
/tired
/long week
/wallows away in shame

 

No worries, Hep. Thanks for your help.