I am attempting to install Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 r0a "Sarge" on an HP pavilion zv6000 notebook. Currently Windows XP Professional is installed in a 100GB partition (97.4GB by Microsoft means) and is taking up the entire hard disk.

I read over various how-to's, readme's, and forum posts that the Debian install will allow me to resize the NTFS partition during install.


I followed the guides mostly, choosing the "expert" way of doing things. When I get to partitioning i choose the NTFS partition, select the size and after a few minutes i am presented with a dialog saying i must commit changes before continuing. The first go around, i choose [OK] and then changed the size from 100GB to 80GB and choose again to commit changes. After applying, nothing happened. The disk is still one large 100GB partition using NTFS. I then restarted the installed, choose [CANCEL] at the above prompt, and tried again. Same results.

Now, my question: How do I resize correctly? Or is this failing attempts telling me that it cant be done? Does debian know something about my hard drive i don't, and is refusing to change.

Note: I'm not too concerned with the NTFS partition, the notebook is quite new, with no data on the windows install. Losing it is mostly an OK option.

Check out my bookmarks...there are two ways to resize NTFS partitions which may be slightly easier than trying to do it from the actual Debian installation. I've used the first Resizing NTFS tut and it's never failed me yet, so you may want to have a good look at it!

As for doing it from the Debian install.... Hehehe....my methods are easier anyway!

J_K9

Thanks for the timely reply, i wasnt expecting anything for 2-4 days. I tried the System Resuce CD earlier in my adventures of getting debian on this notebook, qtparted wouldnt play well with the partition. I plan to run a few disk cleaner/defragers and try again later.

Again, thanks for the reply.

No problem! Oh, and if you're still having trouble, then try the second resizing option...that may work!

J_K9