what are the consequences of installing the Ubuntu boot loader on the same partition as the windows loader? just out of curiosity ;)
Usually none. GRUB has gotten really good at automatically recognizing Windows installs and giving them an entry in the boot menu.
use a separate partition instead. ubuntu will detect and create it. i have done this many a time with linux and windows. if you are freaking out make sure you back up your windows files first to a dvd or cd just in case. pics, mp3s, docs, etc. have FUN!
Are you attempting to thoroughly get rid of the linux filesystem? while you're, then particular, you will choose to rewrite the bootloader with the XP tips, or you may merely reformat over the ubuntu partition and that *could* re-deploy grub. If it does not, merely boot from the ubuntu stay-cd and deploy grub from there.
The Ubuntu bootloader will recognize the Windows partition. You should be able to boot just fine. Installing in the other order is another matter though. The windows bootloader will overwrite the Ubuntu one if you have Ubuntu installed first, and you'll have to reinstall GRUB.
I tried this before. Let me be the sacrificial lamb for you. My computer took a crap when I tried that. You can take your chances, but I would not advise it.
