[karney]

- I need to install Linux: first of all, I wanted to change the boot media order in bios (to boot from memory stick): computer crashed twice when I tried to save new order. The new booting order was finally saved but Linux wouldnt boot from the stick. So, I created CD and initiated installation but the installer was not able to allocate Windows system - there was simply no option to install alongside with Windows;
- then I realized I need to partition my hard drive "manually" since Linux installer did not give me that choice. According to all the partitioning programs I should be able to move Windows files and shrink current partition. However, non of the programs I tried would allow me to shrink current disk (290Gb disk, 196Gb free) - it tells me I can shrink down only 24Mb;
- some other weird things too, I cannt even explain them - they arent so obvious, just weird.

Any, suggestions?

I need to make a decision if should re-install windows... don't really want to if it is not going to help
How do I partition properly without losing my data for the Linux installation?

Thanks a lot!

This post has been edited by coastie65: 20 February 2012 - 11:26 AM

[Socosta]

karney, on 19 February 2012 - 09:53 PM, said:

- I need to install Linux: first of all, I wanted to change the boot media order in bios (to boot from memory stick): computer crashed twice when I tried to save new order. The new booting order was finally saved but Linux wouldnt boot from the stick. So, I created CD and initiated installation but the installer was not able to allocate Windows system - there was simply no option to install alongside with Windows;
- then I realized I need to partition my hard drive "manually" since Linux installer did not give me that choice. According to all the partitioning programs I should be able to move Windows files and shrink current partition. However, non of the programs I tried would allow me to shrink current disk (290Gb disk, 196Gb free) - it tells me I can shrink down only 24Mb;
- some other weird things too, I cannt even explain them - they arent so obvious, just weird.

Any, suggestions?

I need to make a decision if should re-install windows... don't really want to if it is not going to help
How do I partition properly without losing my data for the Linux installation?

Thanks a lot!

Depending on which version of linux your trying to install, you should check the homepage of the linux distribution in question and then check their own community documentation on the subject. If you had installed Linux first on one slice and then gone to install Windows after it, things would be simpler as Windows would recognise the empty slice's you had setup previously (particion) and prompt you from there. But shrinking particion and cutting paths to a new particion table over one thats already dominated by Windows.. All I can say is Good Luck because without looking at your setup or having you explain it to me first hand by word of mouth in detail as to what your trying to accomplish although I already have a rough idea I can tell you it's going to be a bumpy ride. If your looking to particion disk's that are already in use by another operating system you'll be doing a lot of reading.

Google for "name of linux duel boot setup guide"

This post has been edited by Socosta: 29 February 2012 - 01:49 AM

[gdltek1]

karney, on 19 February 2012 - 09:53 PM, said:

- I need to install Linux: first of all, I wanted to change the boot media order in bios (to boot from memory stick): computer crashed twice when I tried to save new order. The new booting order was finally saved but Linux wouldnt boot from the stick. So, I created CD and initiated installation but the installer was not able to allocate Windows system - there was simply no option to install alongside with Windows;
- then I realized I need to partition my hard drive "manually" since Linux installer did not give me that choice. According to all the partitioning programs I should be able to move Windows files and shrink current partition. However, non of the programs I tried would allow me to shrink current disk (290Gb disk, 196Gb free) - it tells me I can shrink down only 24Mb;
- some other weird things too, I cannt even explain them - they arent so obvious, just weird.

Any, suggestions?

I need to make a decision if should re-install windows... don't really want to if it is not going to help
How do I partition properly without losing my data for the Linux installation?

Thanks a lot!

In order to properly address these questions, a little more information would be required. Such as: What distro (version) of Linux you are trying to install; is the system that you are installing to a laptop or desktop system and what are the hardware specs, make, & model; what version of Windows is installed.

Some general advice that might help without knowing any of the above...

1. Backup any important data that you have on the unit before attempting to install
2. Verify that the drive's Windows volume is not encrypted. If it is encrypted, then you will not be able to resize it.
3. Make sure that you have performed a full defrag on the Windows volume prior to attempting to resize it.
4. Many newer pc's have a restore, boot and/or recovery partitions on them, make sure that you are choosing the correct partition that actually has your full windows installation on it. It will probably be the largest one.
5. There are many different flavors of Linux and each one has it's strengths and weaknesses. In the 13 years I have been running some version of Linux, I have found that certain distros work better with certain hardware than others. Don't beat your head against a wall trying to get a particular version of Linux to work on your hardware - if you have problems with Fedora, then try Mint. If Mint is flaky, then try Ubuntu, if that doesn't work, then give PCLinuxOS a try. There's also Mepis, OpenSuse, CentOS, Puppy, Mandriva just to name a few popular desktop distros. Chances are you will find a distro that will work right off the bat without having to do a whole lot of fiddling, so don't be afraid to shop around. It's not quitting, it's finding the right fit ;-)

HTH, gl