How to install Windows 8.1 before a Linux install on a new laptop

GNU/Linux · 04-07-2015, 11:36 AM

Hello all

I have a new laptop (Lenovo Z50-70, Corei3, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD, Nvidia graphics) that came with only FreeDOS. I want to install Windows 8.1 and Linux (preferably Slackware64 14.1). Are there any pointers/tips (regarding UEFI or secure boot) I should keep in mind before installing Windows 8.1 so it doesn't conflict with my Linux install later.

Keruskerfuerst · 04-07-2015, 12:47 PM

1. Bios update of the mainboard.
2. Setup the Bios with CSS or UEFI only.
3. Choose GPT partitin layout for the harddisk.

GNU/Linux · 04-07-2015, 01:11 PM

Regarding 1, you are suggesting I need to update my BIOS/UEFI firmware?

vincix · 04-07-2015, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GNU/Linux

Regarding 1, you are suggesting I need to update my BIOS/UEFI firmware?

I really wouldn't recommend updating the BIOS unless you really need an extra option that the current version of BIOS doesn't have. If the BIOS works as it is, why would one tinker with it?

You should really give it a try directly, it should work anyway. If something goes wrong, it couldn't go wrong later because of some bios settings. You can either begin the installation or not. So start with Windows and then Linux and that's it.

Timothy Miller · 04-07-2015, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincix

I really wouldn't recommend updating the BIOS unless you really need an extra option that the current version of BIOS doesn't have. If the BIOS works as it is, why would one tinker with it?

You should really give it a try directly, it should work anyway. If something goes wrong, it couldn't go wrong later because of some bios settings. You can either begin the installation or not. So start with Windows and then Linux and that's it.

Depending on the laptop, many firmware updates are due to security concerns, not so much feature addition anymore. Such as I just ordered another laptop over the weekend, there are 3 updated firmwares for it currently, all 3 are security patches, not bug patches or feature additions (although 2 of the 3 also do fix features).

vincix · 04-07-2015, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timothy Miller

Depending on the laptop, many firmware updates are due to security concerns, not so much feature addition anymore. Such as I just ordered another laptop over the weekend, there are 3 updated firmwares for it currently, all 3 are security patches, not bug patches or feature additions (although 2 of the 3 also do fix features).

Ah, didn't think of that. Thanks for pointing it out

GNU/Linux · 04-07-2015, 02:07 PM

I have checked and apparently there has been a BIOS update but these are just security fixes. Since, it's an .exe file I have to install Windows first anyway.

I'm gonna start the Win 8.1 installation from DVD, with UEFI mode & GPT. I've 500GB hard disk so I'm gonna give 200GB to Windows and let it create it's UEFI system partition & a "C" partition.

Keruskerfuerst · 04-07-2015, 03:39 PM

Here is why you should update the bios: http://download.lenovo.com/consumer/...s/9bcn30ww.txt

Windows creates 3 partitions for the system:
1. for the bootcode
2. for the bootloader
3. systempartition

GNU/Linux · 04-07-2015, 05:16 PM

But I've to install windows first. This is the first time I'm gonna have to deal with UEFI/GPT, so learning some new stuff. Thanks for your input.