problem installing Debian on dual boot with WinXP
Hi to Everyone,
I wish to install Linux on a computer where MSWIN XP is already running.
I thought I would first resize (shrink) the windows partition so as to
create free space for Linux install. I did that, using GParted. Problem
is : at next step, when trying to install Ubuntu 10.10 with an iso CD,
the install system does not see any useful partition. It only sees
/dev/sda, while it should show /dev/sda1 and /dev/sda2. Using
"SystemRescueCD', I am able to mount both partitions and display their
size using 'df', but the Ubuntu install system does not see them.
Whether I format /dev/sda2 to ext2 or ntfs, or if I just leave the space
without formating, the Ubuntu install CD does not see any suitable space
for that purpose.
I came to wonder if, by any chance, my failure was due to that I did not
create a partition table. The GParted iso CD offers this possibility,
but then it warns you that creating a partition table will erase all
data in all partitions..
So, maybe I should first create a backup of the MSWIN partition using
Partimage, then run Gparted again and create a partition table, then
install Ubuntu (if the iso CD finds what it needs once a new partition
table is created), then restore the MSWIN saved partition... (or, maybe,
the way around, that is, first restore MSWIN and install Ubuntu next)
Prior to attempting such a risky process, I wish I had hints from those
who have already tested, since a number of questions still remain :
Is it allright to backup and restore a MSWIN partition ? Will the
restored partition boot ? How about the MBR ? Shall I have to modify
GRUB so that both systems work ?
Thanks in advance for your help
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