Re: problem installing Debian on dual boot with WinXP
Dne, 07. 12. 2010 12:46:54 je Bernard napisal(a):
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.
Your absolutely *necessary* next step is to boot into Windows and do a
scandisk. Windows has to recheck its own bits and pieces after being
resized, or else...
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.
No. If you have a working Windows installation, you definitely do have
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..
And that is exactly what will happen. So you don't want to do that.
Creating a partition table erases *everything* that was previously on
your disk.
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)
IIRC Windows XP wouldn't work anymore, after such a process. What you
want to do is leave the Windows partition(s) untouched. Install
GNU/Linux on the freed space, and preferably have Grub install in the
GNU/Linux partition, NOT on the MBR. That way, you minimize the risk of
Windows having a fit.
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 ?
Does the GParted CD see your new partition? If so, feel free to format
it to a GNU/Linux filesystem (I'd reccommend ext3). Then, Ubuntu
installer should recognize it. If I were you, I wouldn't let Grub
modify the MBR, I'd instruct it to install itself in the GNU/Linux
partition. Optimally, it will detect your Windows installation and put
it up in its menu. Now all you have to do is redirect your system to
boot from the GNU/Linux partition (where Grub resides) instead of the
MBR. Or, alternatively, make the Windows bootloader give you the choice
of booting either XP or GNU/Linux (there are tutorials on the Net on
how to modify Windows XP boot loader to do that).
--
Cheerio,
Klistvud
http://bufferoverflow.tiddlyspot.com
Certifiable Loonix User #481801 Please reply to the list, not to
me.
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