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View Full Version : Dual boot, XP and Ubuntu, do I have to format my HD?

milje
02-09-2009, 01:43 PM
I'm thinking of installing Ubuntu on my computer, do I have to format the hard drive in order to make the partition for this?



I want to try it on my computer, see how it is. My sisters comp is a POS and I'm thinking if Ubuntu isn't hard to use (she uses Skype, MSN Messenger, and the internet), I may convert her computer.
fastpakr
02-09-2009, 01:48 PM
You should be able to use the Ubuntu Live CD to shrink her current Windows partition down to a reasonable size (current usage plus a reasonable margin) without affecting the data, then use the remaining space for a new Linux install.
mjonesjr
02-09-2009, 01:51 PM
You can add a partition in the operation system setup. If you insert the disc and go into setup, it should show you how much up partitioned space you have.

If you don't have enough to run the 2nd operation system, then you will have to reformat as there is no way to decrease partition size in XP.
milje
02-09-2009, 01:53 PM
I'm downloading Ubuntu right now, will burn it on a CD later. Maybe I'll give this a shot after work tonight.
fastpakr
02-09-2009, 01:58 PM
You can add a partition in the operation system setup. If you insert the disc and go into setup, it should show you how much up partitioned space you have.

If you don't have enough to run the 2nd operation system, then you will have to reformat as there is no way to decrease partition size in XP.

Are you sure the Live CD doesn't let you do that? I know the ability isn't built into XP's partition editor like it is in Vista, but the Live CD should be capable of shrinking it.
mjonesjr
02-09-2009, 02:02 PM
I didn't know that the Linux would shrink another operating systems partition. I think it might only shrink its own partition.

Post some screen shots of Linux when you get it installed. I have never seen it and might consider trying it.
fastpakr
02-09-2009, 02:06 PM
Burn yourself a live CD and play with it. You don't have to install anything permanently just to take a look around.
milje
02-09-2009, 02:32 PM
Disk is burning right now.
milje
02-09-2009, 02:54 PM
Testing, Testing.....1......2......3......


*tap*tap*



*feedback*



..................................
fastpakr
02-09-2009, 02:56 PM
Lima Charlie.
milje
02-09-2009, 03:01 PM
Well, I guess I'll back up my pictures on a CD and try this partition thing tonight. Running off the CD now.

Apparently the IM program on here works with MSN, I'll call my sister and have her log on and try it to verify, but it looks like it should do everything she needs.
mjonesjr
02-09-2009, 03:01 PM
Do you have any screen shots of Linus fastpakr?
fastpakr
02-09-2009, 03:04 PM
What exactly do you want to see? There are tons of different distros and each can be configured to your own taste. I can try to take a shot of something specific, or you can google around some of the versions and see what you like. Like I said above, just download and burn one of the Live iso's and you'll be able to experiment without installing a thing.
mjonesjr
02-09-2009, 03:10 PM
Just curious to what it looks like. I have never seen it.
milje
02-09-2009, 03:18 PM
So far everything seems pretty windows like, just not bloated (I like Windows but it can annoy me). The stuff that would normally be in the Start menu is up top, but it comes with Firefox for the internet, so that's pretty familiar. Color scheme is based around brown instead of blue.


There's some screenshots on the Ubuntu website.
LEVE
02-09-2009, 03:21 PM
On thing you need to remember with Dual Boot XP and Linux, and that is if you want to remove the Linux OS it is going to be difficult. It can be done but you'll have lots of steps to go through doing it.

The Newest Distribution of Ubuntu does let you install Ubuntu within Windows. In theory that should let you remove it from within windows, like any other program. I found that not to be true running the 64bit version.
milje
02-09-2009, 03:24 PM
On thing you need to remember with Dual Boot XP and Linux, and that is if you want to remove the Linux OS it is going to be difficult. It can be done but you'll have lots of steps to go through doing it.

The Newest Distribution of Ubuntu does let you install Ubuntu within Windows. In theory that should let you remove it from within windows, like any other program. I found that not to be true running the 64bit version.

Would installing it within Windows cause it to run slower?


I was under the impression that if a computer is slow (because of a bunch of crap installed on it over the years), Ubuntu would run fast regardless because it has nothing to do with Windows (just hindered by old hardware).
LEVE
02-09-2009, 04:27 PM
Linux has a learning curve; many don't want to invest the time to learn it. Then they decide to uninstall the OS; they muck it up and destroy their Windows OS in the process. So, Ubuntu attempted to do a wise thing by making install and uninstall easier.

If you really want Windows to fly... try installing a new Linux OS and VMWare. Then, install a virtual copy of the Windows OS. And, if you do it right, you can have the Windows OS die, and restore it and have it up and running in a matter of minutes. VMWare and Linux OS as a backbone are awesome. It's just that pesky learning curve.
ejholmgren
02-09-2009, 08:43 PM
I would suggest going back to the mid '90s and installing Slackware 3.5. After you've sufficiently confused yourself, go and install the latest version of Ubuntu. Linux on the desktop has come a looooooooooong way. :icon_thumby:
Southern_Trendkill
02-09-2009, 10:31 PM
Not to be an ass, but if you have to ask how to install Linux, then you probably shouldn't be trying to install it yourself. I'm not dissing your skills, but it's just really easy to screw up a Linux install.
milje
02-10-2009, 02:51 AM
Backing up pictures sucks.....
milje
02-10-2009, 03:38 AM
The ol' 3 AM Ubuntu install is done, everything seems to be working fine.
DannyG
02-10-2009, 12:18 PM
On thing you need to remember with Dual Boot XP and Linux, and that is if you want to remove the Linux OS it is going to be difficult. It can be done but you'll have lots of steps to go through doing it.


Actually if you install it on a separate partition I have just used the Windows XP repair console to restore the windows MBR, it erases Grub and then you can delete the partition.

Normally I just blow my windows partition away and clean install Linux, I constantly have back ups of all my data so I don't really worry about losing things.