Hello I just spent a very long time writing this out very articulately, then accidentally closed the windows with one wrong click. Please forgive me if this isn't that well written. I'm angry. I'm trying to dual-boot with Windows XP. I have a friend who runs Linux on 3 out of his 5 computers (debian on one, Ubuntu with gnome replaced with KDE and I forget the third.) I get as far as resizing IDE1. He wants me to use Guided: resize IDE1 because of my inexperience (which I hope using Linux long enough will cure). I have a relatively small hard drive. 74.5 Gigs. Windows uses up 19.1 Gigs. So I have 55.4 Gigs. I want to give Linux 25 to start, and give it more as need be. On the first resize attempt, I receive the message "Error occured while writing changes to storage device" ( might not be exact). So he has me try manual. I get the same message. Then he has me defrag the drive (it needed it). ALL I've done is defrag. suddenly, the Guided: Resize IDE1 option is gone. Not grayed out, not unelectable, just gone. So I try manual. When I right click on hda1, it displays the file system (NTFS) and the mount point it will be mounted to (/media/hda1) But not the MB. again the resize option is just gone. My other friend is a computer programmer who thinks Linux can't resize the partition because Windows is closed source and Linux open. My Linux friend says he has (literally) resized thousands of Windows partitions using Linux. Seeing as it isn't even an option for me, they both say to get a new hard drive. Then, and this time I've done nothing at all, both options return, but still give me the error message. I've already error-checked the disk. Oh, and as you may have guessed, I have no partition manager on my Windows. Then I realize that along with the installation manager, Kubuntu also comes with QTParted. when I attempt to use this, I receive the message (and this is exact. even the exclamation point and caps. Actually, I'm not sure whether or not it says "in windows".) "NTFS is unstable. Run chkdsk /f in Windows and reboot TWICE!". I do so, except I have to run chkdsk /f in boot-up because "Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts?" Then My Linux friend thinks the file system is mounted. Turns out it's not. Now We have no clue what to do. But I really don't want to have to buy a new hard drive. Please Help.
-
-
Re: dual-boot with XP partitioning
here's the little help I can offer.
You really shouldn't be using Gutsy as your first Linux install - it's still in Alpha and so far from perfect. I've noticed in the past few releases of Kubuntu that the installation partitioner is one of the last things they tend to get working properly. I honestly don't know what's changing between releases.. but obviously something is.
So I'd suggest using Feisty (Kubunut 7.04) it's stable and the installation works.
it's almost a silly question but just to be sure - you are not trying to install Linux while running Windows (windows is up and actively running) are you? if you are then reboot the system with your Linux CD in the drive. If the system doesn't boot using the CD then you'll need to go into your System BIOS and set it to boot from the CD first.
Now there shouldn't be any conflict between what windows is doing with the drive and what Linux wants to do.
Then do like your friend suggests by using the resize function.
If there is still a problem when you try this with Feisty then it's safe bet your HDD has some serious issues. You can always schedule a check disk in Windows to run the next time you reboot. This can be done in the administration tools section of your start menu..
I *think* it's start/programs/administrative tools/computer management but I can't be sure. You may have to rightclick on your task bar and go into the startmenu customize settings and check off "show administrative tools" to get this to come up.
If this still doesn't work then I VERY much suggest you back up your data and dow a lowlevel format and start from scratch. If your HDD is that messed up you're going to loose your data soon whether you go to Linux or not.
I really hope this helps somehow.
Kev -
Re: dual-boot with XP partitioning
Thank you for your advice, yes I am booting from cd when I try to install. This is a stupid question, but once feisty is installed, will I be able to upgrade to Gusty without reinstalling the OS? Like just download updates?Comment
-
Re: dual-boot with XP partitioning
yup without a problem - normally.
you can do an apt-get dist-upgrade and it will grab Gutsy
Comment
-
Re: dual-boot with XP partitioning
oops. I just realized, the one I've been trying to install is 7.04.Comment
-
Re: dual-boot with XP partitioning
Ouch.. that doesn't give me a lot of confidence in your HDD.
I'd back up the data if I were you . Hopefully someone a little more experienced will chime in here today - if you can wait a bit. They might have a solution.
but start with a back up - cause you likely need to do that no matter what.
KevComment
-
Re: dual-boot with XP partitioning
What exactly is my HDD? Honestly though, I'm about this close to just giving XP the axe...Comment
-
Re: dual-boot with XP partitioning
Sorry for the late reply, my schedule is erratic.
HDD is short for "hard drive" You're likely going "um ya.. I knew that... lol" but I understand you're in a new world here and everyone is saying things you don't yet understand so even stuff you do know looks like Greek.
Talking about Greek. What's the significance of your handle - "Darby" Thanks,
KevComment
-
Re: dual-boot with XP partitioning
ooops
really sorry. My schedule is even more erratic. I'm not trying to be condescending! I really apreciate you taking things slow. And Darby in the sense I know it isn't Greek. It's Gaelic. It means Free Spirit or Free Man. Also I should note that my social skills are severely lacking. But you are right, I'm really new to this so I need a human to help me. All the help sites just say stuff that indeed, might as well be Greek.Comment
-
Re: dual-boot with XP partitioning
John Darby studied Greek and spent a great deal of his life working on a couple of Translations of the Bible. The whole thing (with a group of men) into French and the New Test into English.
Darby isn't a name I see every day.
Do you have all your stuff backed up? If so, maybe you can give a format and fresh install a try.
KevComment
-
Re: dual-boot with XP partitioning
no, nothings backed up, but I'm getting really impatient. I have someone searching all of the computer stuff they've accumulated for a working HDD that I can use for Kubuntu, and I'm doing everything I can to figure out what's up, I do have quite a few unmovable files, but they aren't at the end of the disk. I have no clue what's going on!Comment
-
Re: dual-boot with XP partitioning
Wish I could take a look at it hands on.
My best suggestion, given the info I have, is to back up your important data onto DVD or CD and format the drive. Install windows again - cause you're likely going to want to keep something familiar for a while. Get it working and then put Kubuntu on the system. You'll have a "dual-boot" so you can choose which system you want to run each time you boot the computer.
KevComment
Comment