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    Partitioning to install another OS

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by virtuoosi, Jun 3, 2009.

  1. virtuoosi

    virtuoosi Notebook Enthusiast

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    Im not sure if this is under the correct forum, but I guess so since my current operating software is Windows Vista. :)

    So let me explain my situation: I have a 500GB HDD. It had 2 partitions by default (well I guess theres the third hidden partition somewhere, havent checked.) The partitions are 232GB (C: Windows Vista 32-bit) and 221GB (D: Music, movies etc.)

    Since I got this laptop some weeks ago, I wanted to try some sort of Linux distribution. Now I have decided to give Ubuntu a go. I feel that the partitions dont currently fit my needs. The size of the D: partition is okay, 221GB is enough for my music and movies etc. I have all my programs installed on the C: drive. So in order to install Ubuntu, I would like to split my C: into two drives and install Ubuntu on the other one whilst having Vista on the other. The question is: can I split my C: drive into two separate drives without wiping off the entire HDD? I just wouldnt want to install all my programs again, it took me some time to get everything I need. :)

    I have read lots of posts, but didnt find anything that made sense to me so thats why I am asking. Also if theres something that I should know about installing Ubuntu, please let me know. :) Thanks in advance.
     
    virtuoosi, Jun 3, 2009
    #1
  2. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    run your linux in a virtual machine. problem solved.
     
    newsposter, Jun 3, 2009
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  3. Logitech456

    Logitech456 Notebook Consultant

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    correct....
     
    Logitech456, Jun 4, 2009
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  4. Gintoki

    Gintoki Notebook Prophet

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    Downsize Vista and install Ubuntu in the free space you make. Simple as that. You have to use the Ubuntu installer to do that, and when you get to the partitioning part just select manual and make sure not to accidentally format Vista and your Media.
     
    Gintoki, Jun 4, 2009
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  5. Primes

    Primes Notebook Deity

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    Primes, Jun 4, 2009
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  6. brncao

    brncao Notebook Evangelist

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    Defrag your hard drive (C :) first before shrinking the volume. To shrink the volume go to control panel > administrative > computer management. On the left pane of computer management find "Disk Management". The one you want to shrink is (C :). Right Click on the (C :) partition and click "shrink volume." Shrink it to your desired size and the extra free space will be unallocated. Use the unallocated space to install Linux. You can see my thread for more detail on suggested partitioning.
     
    brncao, Jun 4, 2009
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  7. virtuoosi

    virtuoosi Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks to everyone who contributed on this thread, I have successfully installed Ubuntu on my laptop.
     
    virtuoosi, Jun 5, 2009
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  8. zephyrus17

    zephyrus17 Notebook Deity

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    Good. :) Have fun. Post here or ubuntuforums.org if you need any help. but always check with google first :D
     
    zephyrus17, Jun 5, 2009
    #8