I would like to install Linux Mint for a friend.
The hard disk is divided in two main partitions, one ntfs with windows 7 (part1) and the second always ntfs for storage (part2). I would install Mint in the second partition.

Will the installation process be simple and smart enough to recognize part1 as windows 7 and suggest me to preserve Windows alongside Linux?

Also, will partition2 be recognized as the partition where it is possible to install Linux, or am I supposed, before running the installation disk, to delete partition2 with a tool like GParted to create an empty space?

No.


When you boot the installer specify that you want to do manual partitioning. Then the installer will let you specify the actions to be taken by gparted to set the partitions up the way that you want. You can get further details on manual partitioning in the Linix Mint installer here:

https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=122276

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Steve Stites

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Better to delete the unwanted partition before-hand - leave unallocated.
The Mint installer should offer to do a normal build using the free space. Much less prone to error, however read the installers partition screen before agreeing - there have been situations where it insists on clearing the disk first. That means wiping everything. Don't do that.

1 members found this post helpful.