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piltdown 04-16-2008 07:31 AM

Install on PC with a Vista recovery partition
 
I have a laptop with 3 partitions. 1) Vista recovery partition at the start of the HD. 2) Vista c: drive. 3) A partition called Data.

I want to install Linux but am unsure as to whether the Vista restore partition will still be accesible if I need to recover Vista in the future. I'm assuming, as GRUB will alter the boot partition, this may impact upon the recovery partition.

Many thanks for any advice.

pixellany 04-16-2008 07:47 AM

Welcome to LQ!!

Installing the GRUB boot code to the MBR will not affect any partitions. You will need to re-size one or both of the two partitions (not the recovery partition). I think I have read here that Vista has tools for re-sizing---or you can use something like GParted on a bootable CD.

Once you have empty (unpartitioned) space, the Linux installer will typically detect Windows and automatically configure the bootloader.

If you don't have a Windows installation disk, I would try to get one. I've never understood recovery partitions, and I would always be leary of not being able to re-install the OS.

syg00 04-16-2008 08:11 AM

Mine had *4* partitions - a media thingy as well from Dell which I've never tried to use. Fortunately that was a logical.
Vista has better partition management, but it seems to not resize below 50% of the original size. This is purely experience from 2 different machines I tried. Use the gparted liveCD. Vista may (will) take a while to reboot and verify the partition - mine took 45 minutes on my 320 Gig disk (laptop).
Use logical partitions for Linux - keeps everyone happy.
I kept the Vista boot loader as I knew the Service Pack was on the way - EasyBCD allows you to add Linux easily enough. Just to save screwing around restoring boot-loaders.
Personal choice.


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