How to remove Virtual Box and Windows XP?

I want to install the Ubuntu OS on my laptop. Do I HAVE to remove my existing windows xp os? & if so, how?

• 1)how to uninstall windows xp os, if necessary 2)will removing windows also remove my programs (band-in-a-box, microsoft flight simulater, various games, various other music programs,etc) 3)how will my I-tunes acccount be effected? 4)how about items in "my pictures" and "my documents"? thank you for your help!

• Answer:

  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 9.10 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 9.10 Download http://www.ubuntu.com/GetUbuntu/download Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) User Guide http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Karmic Once Ubuntu is installed using this method your data on the windows partition can be found by navigating Places>Computer>Filesystem>Host LUg.