Can i change my OS from XP to Ubuntu, but keeping XP on a disk/flash drive for rebooting?

my laptop has XP, but i would really like Ubuntu. i however would like to keep my XP system on a cd-rom or on a removable flash drive, in case i want to sell the computer or change back to XP (doubt it ;P)



Is this possible? if so, how?Can i change my OS from XP to Ubuntu, but keeping XP on a disk/flash drive for rebooting?
Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



You keep Windows as it is, Wubi only adds an extra option to boot into Ubuntu. Wubi does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.



Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.



Boot in to windows insert the Ubuntu 10.04 LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the Wubi installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Ubuntu (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.



Once Ubuntu is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Ubuntu



Ubuntu 10.04 Download

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download



Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) User Guide

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Lucid



Linux Mint 9 has a similar feature called mint4win and the directions given above for Wubi can be followed

http://duncsweb.com/2009/09/27/mint4win-



Linux Mint 9 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=



Ubuntu 10.04 and Linux Mint 9 can also be run straight from the LiveCD without touching your Hard drive





LUg.Can i change my OS from XP to Ubuntu, but keeping XP on a disk/flash drive for rebooting?
Most laptops have a hidden recovery partition (usually D:) that's accessible by a keystroke/s at boot.

Check to see if yours has one.

If it hasn't, you're going to need a bootable XP installation disk. You can't just copy the system to disk/USB.



Another option is to 'dual boot' with Ubuntu...



http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windo
I suggest you to dual boot it.