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new to Linux
Hi all
Im new to linux and just trying to install LinuxMint 17 on a Windows 7 box. Having trouble with the installation at the point where I have free space and have made a logical boot partition for Linux which then renders the remainder of the free space unusable so I can't make the remaining 3 partitions. I have the following partitions before I start: NTFS Windows boot, free space of 100Gb, NTFS Data and a Logical recovery partition. I am still searching the forum for possible solutions but any help would be most welcome. |
Hi , welcome to linux and linux questions
To help you we need to know the current partition layout. I think the easiest way to achive this is to 'go back' and boot the live disk. then find the terminal program ( off the top of my head I'm not certain where it is in mint , but will be in one of the menus) Once you have a terminal open Code:
/sbin/fdisk -l /dev/sdacopy and paste the output here, between code tags [Code] This is an example [/code] We can then advise the most appropriate solutions |
You already have 3 partitions so you need to create an Extended partition, then create logical partitions within it. You should be able to set the size (15-20GB for the / (root filesystem)) a small swap (not necessarily needed). This will simplify things if you are new to the process. Lots of users do use a boot partition but it certainly isn't necessary. You can create other partitions later but the best step now is to post the information requested above for verification.
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To build on what yancek said, Linux will quite happily install to extended partitions; it does not require a primary partition the way DOS did and Windows does.
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Hi Fierat
Thank you for getting back to me, I didn't expect such a quick response so thanks again. I followed your instructions but the message is:- Cannot open /dev/sda. I tried /sbin/fdisk -l /*/* and it gave me a shed load of information which I copied to a text file on the Linux machine. I can recover this and send it if you think it will help. When I go into the Linux Installation selecting "Do something else" and try to make partitions from the 'Free Space" it allows me to make a /boot partition of 500MB but the remaining space is unusable. Before I make the /boot partition this is the information it presents. Device Type Mount Point Format Size Used System /dev/sda /dev/sda1 ntfs 215173 MB 79685 MB Windows7(Load) free space 114411 MB /dev/sda2 ntfs 289069 205961 MB /dev/sda5 fat32 21476 MB 33 MB /dev/sdb /dev/sdb1 ext4 1000203 MB 15905 MB The /dev/sdb1 is a USB backup drive The /dev/sda2 is my data drive ( 'D' on my windows installation) The /dedv/sda5 is the windows logical recovery partition I really appreciate your help. If this is not useful I hope there is another way to provide you with the information you need. Cheers!! |
Ahh, my bad
You probably need root (via sudo ) However, it matters not since you have the partition information I'm not sure that sda5 is 'recovery' since it is so small. It is probably diagnostics, health check things like memory, harddrive graphics and so on. Options as I see them.
To create a swap file Code:
sudo -iBut this isn't ideal, distroa normally create a swap partition equal to the ram in size to take advantage of hibernate feature.. I'm not certain it works with a swapfile.. but never tried myself Are the other options.. options? See if you can boot the diagnostics, try f10, f11 , f12 during post (look for messages advising the 'key' to press on screen or in manual/support site. Once in determine its 'usefulness' If you do remove sda5 (and the logical partition ) you should be able to make new logical partition using available 'space' and then have multiple linux partitions In any case, backup your data and have windows install media available, 'just in case' |
Hi Fierat
Thanks for the reply. It sounds like it might take some time but ill have a go and let you know how I get on. Cheers! |
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