Install Windows 8 OEM as additional OS

[gallicbear]

Hi there. I am wondering about the following scenario: I am putting together a new machine. Let's say I install Fedora 17 and afterwards add Windows 8, but with an Full version/OEM disk. I always thought OEM assumes no OS is present on the machine. Will Windows install or cause problems? What can happen?
Thanks in advance for your help.

[glennzo]

What can happen? Potentially, and likely, Windows will replace the existing OS and leave you Fedora-less. Back in the XP days, as I recall, you could get XP to install to /dev/sda2 for example, if you knew how. Then you could just reinstall GRUB and go about your business. These days I believe the scenario is totally different. I would plan on backing up Fedora, then create a few partitions on the disk, planning on installing W8 to /dev/sda1 and Fedora to dev/sda2. Install W8 first.

* Disclaimer: Haven't touched Window 8 yet so I've no idea what will happen here. My statements are based on past Windows experience.

[gallicbear]

Thanks, Glennzo. You say, 'these days'. I know; that's why I posted this. considering also the thing about my brandnew motherboard having this secure boot issue. Luckily, I have a hybrid setting, which allows UEFI and Legacy. But I'll wait to install Fedora after Windows 8 and just test it off a live disk.