Okay I will describe my situation.

I have Microsoft Windows XP installed. My drives are in NTFS format. When I launch the live CD Linux Ubuntu 7.10 (the one that only uses RAM memory, like the live boot thing), I don't have internet because my D-Link network usb adapter needs ndiswrapper to run. I cannot install it, because Ubuntu 7.10 doesn't MOUNT NTFS partitions, so when I install, it installs to my USB 500 GB hard disk, which I used only to backup some files from windows. If this thing isn't connected, the install bugs, so it detects this disk instead of my harddrive, to which it cannot write.

What are my possibilities to install Linux UBuntu 7.10...

I need like detailed help, as this seems to be a very complex situation for me, as I've never ever used Linux in my life before. I love it, however. So, I would appreciate an extensive help around the ways of getting out of this situation.

Moved: This thread is more suitable in <Ubuntu>, and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

Um anyone? I absolutely need help, without this, I am doomed =((

What do you want to do?
You can't install Ubuntu on NTFS if that is what you want to do. Or maybe you can but it is not recommended.
You could resize a NTFS partition to make room for a linux partition?
You can do that with gparted for instance.
You don't need to write to NTFS to use windows drivers with ndiswrapper.

7.10 does mount NTFS partitions, but you can't install it to one

And please revisit the rules. No bumping of posts before 24
hours are up.


Cheers,
Tink

According to the ntfs-3g developers, you CAN install to an ntfs partition.

But it still isn't recommended.

As I read OP's question, I think that the first thing to do is use the live CD to resize the NTFS partition to make room for new Linux partitions. Once this is done, there shouldn't be any further issues with the installation. When the installation is started, there is an option to repartition the drive, but it isn't obvious.

I just installed Kubuntu on my daughter's laptop a bit over a week ago, and I commented on this site after doing so that the mechanism for repartitioning was sufficiently obscure that many people wouldn't figure it out successfully.

Also, trying to install with only a wireless internet connection is inviting disaster if the wireless access point has security configured. I had to install twice on her machine because the first time I tried it wireless (the wireless card was detected/supported by Linux), and wireless could not connect because of WPA settings which it didn't have and didn't ask for. The second time I installed it with an ethernet cable connected, and it went OK.

Yea, about the partition manager. Just one question...

When I choose the size of the new partition, let's say I got 184 GB free space. How does it work exactly? Because it either creates a new partition t install linux to it or it creates a partition which won't have the linux, and the other (memory that is left) will. Is that right?

I am not sure I understand...

You have several choices for setting up the partitions:

• You can have the installer do it automatically--it will take the whole disk, and it will erase Windows.
• You can create the partitions with tool like GParted before you start the Linux installation. GParted will also re-size the Windows partition if necessary.
• During Linux installation, you can select manual partitioning and create the required partitions there. Most installers I have used will not do re-sizing of NTFS.

With a large disk like that, I would use 10-15GB each for Windows and Linux, then a shared data partition of maybe 50GB. Leave the rest empty (unpartitioned) for future changes.

The Ubuntu installer can resize ntfs, and gparted can also resize ntfs

Noted....
I am continually in a state of depression and despair---realizing how little I know.....
On a more positive note, I have the impression that the mainstream distros are improving faster than I can test them. I need to go find my old Apple-II......

I have one more question.

My Card: D-Link DWL-G122 rev. B1 (USB)is having problems. I've installed ndiswrapper, the driver, made it launch with start up. Did basically everything the documentation said. But I am still not getting any network. Can anyone help me on the possibilities of what it could be?

Yes. I have also installed the ndiskg tool, the automatic set up interface for ndiswrapper. (the ndiswrapper came with the live CD, as well as, the util 1.9). It shows me that the hardware is present, but no network is shown.

When I type ifconfig: the card isn't shown in whoa0 (i think that is what it is called for wireless)
iwconfig: does show the card driver in whoa0

Um checking if the driver is installed in the terminal gives that it is installed.

I have really no idea how to fix that...

Maybe anyone could tell me how to install this driver found on ralink, the RT2005USB (it gives me a sourcecode, I have no idea how to compile)

Sordelka;

It is better to start new threads with new questions (search first). After 12 posts, we now know that "Big help needed" means help with partitioning. So anyone who has already offered what they can is not likely to jump back in to help with networking.

You already know to use better thread titles, so I won't mention that.....