Partitioning kubuntu for Win7

[Methos94]

As much as I'm loving kubuntu I wasn't quite ready to go cold turkey kubuntu, so the question is how do I partition my kubuntu hardrive so that windows 7 can be installed on it.

[jeremy1701]

Re: Partitioning kubuntu for Win7

You can use GPartd for partitioning:

http://gparted.sourceforge.net/livecd.php

[oshunluvr]

Re: Partitioning kubuntu for Win7

Not sure if you meant how=software or how=what partitions to create.

Windows7 has a builtin partition tool that can shrink your windows7 partition. You need 12gb minimum up to as much as you wish for kubuntu. After you shrink win7 and verify it still boots, create an extended partition and then 3 logical partitions. 2-4gb for swap, 8-12gb for /, and whatever is left over for /home.

you can do the create part with the livecd, the installer, or gparted among other tools.

[jeremy1701]

Re: Partitioning kubuntu for Win7

Not sure if you meant how=software or how=what partitions to create.

Good point! lol...

[whoiam55]

Re: Partitioning kubuntu for Win7

I think the question is pretty much clear.

so the question is how do I partition my kubuntu hardrive so that windows 7 can be installed on it.

@methos94, first install windows7 and make as much partition you want for your windows instalation, Kubuntu don't need any partition, it need free space. suppose I have 10 gb hdd. I would create 1.primary partition (2 gb) 2.extended partition(2gb)-then create logical drives in the extended partition. this way we have left approx 6gb free space. Kubuntu need only this free space and create it's own partitions in that free space.

[perspectoff]

Re: Partitioning kubuntu for Win7

There are several tips available at

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Maverick...ws_and_Kubuntu

[The Liquidator]

Re: Partitioning kubuntu for Win7

If I read it correctly you currently have a kubuntu-only machine.

That makes things a bit more difficult. Whilst Linux is quite happy to be installed alongside windows, the Windows view is that dual booting means choosing between Windows 7 and Vista. NO matter what precautions you take, installing windows will trash Grub, meaning you can't launch kubuntu. Grub can be restored I believe, but it's beyond my technical expertise.

Is there anything you specifically want to do that necessitates windows (eg gaming)? If the demands of the applications you need to run aren't too high, it might be worth considering installing windows within a virtual machine. That will be totally non-destructive and you have the benefit of being able to run both at once. Just a thought

[jeremy1701]

Re: Partitioning kubuntu for Win7

Liquidator, I wasn't sure if that was still the case with Windows since the release of 7, thanks for the updated information.

Another option is to wipe your drive, install Win7 on the entire drive, and then install Kubuntu (which will take care of partitioning for you). Grub will then be able to dual boot between the two OS's.

[The Liquidator]

Re: Partitioning kubuntu for Win7

There are various guides on the net to show how to do it the other way round, but it seems to involve using 3rd party software.

I would agree with you that the age-old principle of having windows installed first and then installing linux is a sound one.

[GreyGeek]

Re: Partitioning kubuntu for Win7

If you reinstall Windows and want to recover your Kubuntu install you can use chroot. The method is shown here.