How to install Windows Vista in 5 GB hard-disk space ?

cantab · 07-08-2010, 10:15 AM

Maybe you could try creating the partitions using something like partedmagic FIRST. As mentioned, you'll probably need more like 20-30 GB for Vista, format it as NTFS though the Windows installer will probably reformat. I'd suggest considering a separate data partition to help you share between Windows and Linux and help you keep your data if you reinstall either, in which case 10-20 GB should be enough for the Linux root partition, 1-2GB for swap, and the rest for data.

Aquarius_Girl · 07-08-2010, 08:21 PM

Thanks Cantab

But the basic problem is that I do not want to give Vista 15 to 20 GB space, even though I have more than it.

cantab · 07-09-2010, 06:48 AM

You could try vLite, a tool for slimming down Vista and 7 and making customised install media. I've never used it mind. Dunno how small you can get.
Also, you may regret giving it so little. A lot of software is big these days. If you want to do stuff, 5GB is tight no matter what OS you're using. Of course if you're doing web-based stuff (say if you have annoying IE-only systems you have to use) disc space isn't so important.

Aquarius_Girl · 07-09-2010, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cantab

If you want to do stuff, 5GB is tight no matter what OS you're using. Of course if you're doing web-based stuff (say if you have annoying IE-only systems you have to use) disc space isn't so important.

Actually I just have to install .Net frame work on it. Will it need more than 5 GB ? I do not have any other work on Vista !

Aquarius_Girl · 07-09-2010, 06:56 AM

Actually since the official website of Vista says that Vista needs at least 15 to 20 GB space then I don't think using any tool will be fruitful !

Thanks again.

cantab · 07-09-2010, 07:01 AM

Microsoft's websites about Vista are based on a "standard" install. They don't take into account stuff like vLite.

Aquarius_Girl · 07-09-2010, 07:08 AM

Alright I shall try that vLite !

I just downloaded it from its home page.

Thanks again

Aquarius_Girl · 07-12-2010, 12:24 AM

Well, day before yesterday, I tried to install Windows Vista on my laptop, but the error message said "xyz error has occured. Contact your hp support if this error persists".

I could not load Vista in my computer.

Aquarius_Girl · 07-12-2010, 04:32 AM

The most horrible thing I noticed about Vista: It does not ask for partition choices !!

I failed to install it and it wiped out my hard disk.

linuxlover.chaitanya · 07-12-2010, 06:19 AM

Are you using the recovery disk for Vista that came with your HP laptop? If yes, then forget it. It will do what it has been programmed to. But you can surely shrink the volume. Disk management tool on Vista supports shrinking the volumes. I have been through what you are now calling hell. Take a break. Break the Vista dvd into two, throw it away and install Linux distro of your choice. That would be much easier with your knowledge of Linux. At least your laptop would be more than a mere paper weight.

Aquarius_Girl · 07-12-2010, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linuxlover.chaitanya

Are you using the recovery disk for Vista that came with your HP laptop? If yes, then forget it. It will do what it has been programmed to. But you can surely shrink the volume. Disk management tool on Vista supports shrinking the volumes.

Yes, I am using that recovery disk.
I will not throw it away (right now) as it says "contact your HP support if this error persists". I will see what HP has to say about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by linuxlover.chaitanya

I have been through what you are now calling hell. Take a break. Break the Vista dvd into two, throw it away and install Linux distro of your choice. That would be much easier with your knowledge of Linux. At least your laptop would be more than a mere paper weight.

I need Vista/XP for installing .NET, I have heard Wine doesn't support it well.

smeezekitty · 07-12-2010, 11:30 AM

You cant, vista uses like 18GB of space.

linuxlover.chaitanya · 07-13-2010, 12:50 AM

You might have a bad corrupted recovery disk then. I have a recovery disk created and it works. But yes, it does not allow partitioning of the disk. You can shrink the volume later on. And yeah....you are stuck with HP support. Enjoy.