Re: Dual Boot.

[lsorense@csclub.uwaterloo.ca (Lennart Sorensen)]

On Thu, Sep 01, 2011 at 12:15:06PM +1000, Heddle Weaver wrote:
> I've made a few attempts to install the weekly build (August 22nd,
> netinstall, Wheezy) onto a machine and same drive as an XP install.
> I know it can be done as I did it in the dim past when I was making the
> switch from Microsoft.
> 
> However, as the partitioning stage shows no sign of recognising the Windows
> (NTFS) partition, although it recognises the fact that it's NTFS, it shows
> every stage of wiping it in the formatting stage. I've tried both the manual
> and guided options to see if the install would pick the Windows partition
> up, but no go.
> 
> I've checked out the FAQ and the list archive to see if there's any mention,
> but there isn't anything of note.
> There's nothing wrong with the disc as I did a new install onto an old
> laptop - HP Compaq nx6120 - which went as sweet as a dream.
> What have I forgotten or done wrong?
> 
> I'd rather do without it, but I'm doing all these courses that are supposed
> to be done on M$ software - I got high praise for my work on the 'Word'
> module that I did completely on LibreOffice Writer and Draw - quote - This
> should be kept as an example of how it's supposed to be done' - unquote, but
> the next one is Microsoft Project, which rides on Microsoft software and all
> in class so I can't get away with anything.
> 
> I still need to convert the whole course over onto free software once I've
> finished it.
> Thanks for any time and trouble.
> Regards,

If your windows install uses the entire drive for one partition, then
there isn't really anything the installer can do for you other than to
wipe out windows.

If on the other hand you have windows on a partition that does not use
the entire drive, and there is unpartitioned space on the drive, then the
installer should give you the option of using the largest unused space
on the drive.  Of course this is essentially never the case unless the
person installing windows was thinking ahead.

-- 
Len Sorensen