[SOLVED] Having trouble with partitions/ initial install
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I just got an hp dv4-2145dx and I am attempting to install ubuntu 9.04. SUPER NEWBIE here.
I understand that the maximum number of primary partitions is four. The four on this hard disc are the windows one, a tiny one called hp tools, another tiny one called SYSTEM and then the recovery drive. Does this mean that I will be unable to install linux without deleting one of these partitions? Are they all necessary? I'm nervous deleting any since I don't know what they do.
it is true, you can only use up to 4 primary partitions. Have you looked whether all of your partitions are primary ones? The one called "HP tools" looks deletable to me, but don't take my word for it. I suggest you take a look in your manual first.
Other than that, you could also use VirtualBox to do a virtual installation of Ubuntu on your Windows XP partition. It is much more convenient and won't cause you any problems.
As a word of caution, I would back up any partitions I was thinking of deletingj before actually doing so. It sounds like you might be using a machine that is still under warranty, so caution is always advisable.
That aside I believe you can use a partition manager to resize one of the primary drives and then install linux on logical/extended partitions. That way you don't actually have to delete anything.
I really would suggest you just install Ubuntu on your Windows partition using VirtualBox. It is so much easier and you won't break anything, especially considering your laptop is new.
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