Hello Debian users. I have just received my awaited Debian 8.2 install CD. In the meantime I have been reading this.
https://www.debian.org/releases/stab...h06s01.html.en

This will be my first experience with Debian, although I have installed quite a few other Linux OS. In my case, I want to install Debian alongside my Windows7, as a dual boot. Since I was concerned that using the automatic partition setup might delete my windows 7, I opted for the manual method, but was unable to get my partitions mounted and had to abort the install, which rendered Windows unbootable. However YannBuntu's
Boot Repair saved my day (again).
So my question is, should I create a new partition of unallocated space before I try again, and use the automatic option? Or is it safe to use the automatic option without deleting Windows? I am using MBR partition table and now have
2 primary partitions, one small one for the bootloader and one large one approx.289 gb taking up the remainder of the disk.
I will fire up the Windows 7 laptop and attach a screen shot of the partition table.
Thanks for looking, all advice appreciated.

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Yes. 7 has the tools to shrink it's partition, leave some unallocated\free-space for Debian.

Thank you.

No problem (when 7 hit that's the way I did it just before kicking microcoughed to the curb for good ) and don't forget to back up any personal data as usual! I sometimes forget that until I do major work like installing a new distro, haven't lost anything too important yet (phew. )

becarefull of the debian partition format scheme, I could shrink my home folder on the fly with the server layout but not with the root swap home layout...ive only just got enough experience to think that is how it would/should be so i am definetly not going to shirnk it using a live boot

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It is nice having a separate partition for /, /home and swap so your personal files stay put if you need to reinstall... http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...2/#post5501713

A separate home folder is something I have never used (yet) although I do understand the merits of setting it up that way. Thanks for the link.

Success. Thanks for the help. I should have used the graphical installer the first time, much easier. Installs very quickly.
Screenshot attached, for anyone interested.

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I wasn't aware that Debian comes without a GUI installed, so naturally I will have to install
one. I have been reading on this procedure and wondering what my options are as I don't like
KDE, and that's what the guides I have read tell me how to install. Is Cinnamon available for Debian? Another problem is that I never configured a network during install, thinking I could do it through the GUI, which I now realize I don't have and can't get without a network connection. What's the best route here, a new clean install? Or try to configure my network which is WiFi? In the latter case the guides I have read don't seem to work for me.
All advice appreciated.

if you was asked during the installation if you want to install firmware, there is a very good chance you have to install some sort of firmware package for your wireless card to work. Not sure which but one of the cds has firmware packages on it.
Debian at some point during the installation will ask what to install and one of the options is Desktop which usually installs the gnome desktop by default. however depending on what is on the cd may need an internet connection for a complete install.

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You must of used a netinst then, (my favorite way,,, build what we desire? )

Can install any environment from there. You will need a network connection and like Colorpurple21859 put may need non-free firmware\drivers (unless included on that install media) or can download the full DVD or DVDs or Blu-ray then add them (DE\WM++ included) to your /etc/apt/sources.list using:

Yes I was asked about the firmware, but apparently my CD does not have it, as it didn't install it as I asked. I recall the question about the desktop, but since my internet connection is wifi, very limited and metered, I generally never install a linux system with an active internet connection.
I do have access to a public library, where I can use their ethernet connection. It looks like that is the route I will have to go.

Thank you for your input, this Debian install is sufficiently different than any other Linux system I have used, so I was not expecting these complications. However it doesn't appear
insurmountable.

Edit; Thanks jameson2000e, I saw your post after I replied.
It looks like the way to go is a fresh install at the library, connected to their ethernet. Any idea how large a download the

sudo apt-add cdrom is?

P.s: if you want Cinnamon and use apt-add you will have to make sure the DVD 1, of 3ish or CD 1 of 9ish have the Cinnamon packages on it, the first DVD should?

What CD did you get?

I think I see my problem, I bought an install CD online from theopensourceshop.com and all I have is CD 1.