Linspire insists on erasing my HD

newbiesforever · 06-18-2006, 11:26 PM

I'm frustrated with the Linspire installer, because it has not offered a disk partitioner, and expects to "take over the hard drive" whichever installation option I click on. The warnings make that clear. Is there any way I can tell it to make a new partition?

xode · 06-19-2006, 01:35 AM

I have had the same experience with Lindows. Further, it is lacking in features that I need, such as an "in-house" webserver. You might want to try another linux distribution. I have found Fedora Core 4 to be a good choice.

2damncommon · 06-19-2006, 10:39 AM

If I recall correctly, I had to first say yes to taking over my drive before I was offered an expert partitioning choice to not do so, with Linspire 5.0.
It is not uncommon for the "expert" partitioning choice to be in a non-obvious place.
Do not say yes to final installation or actual partitioning unless your choices are confirmed.

DeanLinkous · 06-19-2006, 06:58 PM

installation method
ADVANCED INSTALL
That will let you choose which partition to install on.

You can also use the LIVE option to run QTparted and partition your drive before installation if you need to. AFAIK QTparted is on there... Good luck with Linspire!

Cogar · 06-19-2006, 08:04 PM

Although I recall reading that Linspire supports partitioning, I have yet to find it on the CD I have--and I've installed Linspire Five-O a few times. Still, there is a simple solution--use another partitioning tool. If you do not have one specifically, use a distribution that has a good one. Starting an install with Ubuntu ("alternate") will get the job done. Then, when the partitioning is done, just abort the Ubuntu installation and install Linspire.

DeanLinkous · 06-19-2006, 09:42 PM

Well I suggest just using the Gparted liveCD, it is small and fast and does the job! But IIRC for linspire LiveCD, Programs > Utilities > QTparted

newbiesforever · 06-20-2006, 03:19 PM

Yeah, I can just partition it using Partition Magic. I had just not run into a Linux installer yet that didn't offer to partition it itself.

DeanLinkous · 06-20-2006, 09:01 PM

I trust Gparted more than I trust partition magic.

Yea, Linspire made a strange decision on that but I usually partition before I install anyway so I have no problem with doing that. But to bring up the full CD and click thru menus JUST to partition is still a poor choice. They could of had a boot option that brought up a minimal desktop and automagically started QTparted or something at least. Of course Linspire can do whatever they want and they usually do all the time professing about how they are right about it.

newbiesforever · 06-21-2006, 03:42 PM

Ah. So is it a notoriously pompous company? Otherwise, I would have supposed that Linux users liked it for its embarrassing Microsloth in court.

Cogar · 06-21-2006, 04:27 PM

Not pompous. They just do not see themselves as a Linux company so much as a Windows alternative. You can get a lot better idea by reading this interview with the founder.

http://www.linuxformat.co.uk/modules...ticle&artid=14

DeanLinkous · 06-23-2006, 11:22 PM

Maybe not pompous.... (i will leave it at that)

operator10001 · 06-25-2006, 11:18 AM

use partition logic or debian and you will be happy

apt-get-dude · 07-19-2006, 09:05 PM

try freespire (their new free version). it's cool, free and you don't have those issues about the erasing the entire drive. Just chose advanced install. And let's cut them some slack, any company that offers an alternative should be supported.

Tomcat1965 · 07-25-2006, 04:36 PM

Yeah,I reckon Linspire worth supporting,I have 5.0 installed and makes a great Windows alternative.Well supported,nice gui,CNR works well. Looking forward to 6.0 next year.

DropKey · 07-30-2006, 06:35 AM

I tried Freespire and its very nice. You can also download GParted
from Distrowatch.com Very flexible and easy to use partitioning
tool.

DropKey