Install but no formatting
 

Is it possible to install a linux distro without have to format my harddrive and get rid of any previous partions.
My hard drive is 60Gb and set up in three partions
1) My laptop came with a partion that is for backup and recovery which can not be accessed
2) This partion has all my program and system files
3) This is my personal stuff like pictures
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Back Up | Program/system files etc | My files (pictures etc)
Partion | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Sony Viao FS115B laptop 1.6Ghz
Windows XP home edition

Yes, it is possible for example by resizing a partition and using the unallocated space to create a new partition.
There is a lot of information available on this subject via google and by searching LQ. I would in any case recommend making backups of all your important data before you begin and defragmenting the drive.
Good luck!

Trying a run from CD version is also an option. That means zero installation.
The down sides are that it runs slower and settings and files are not saved by default.
Knoppix is a good one. There are others.

yeah I have been running it from CD but like you said it runs slower and settings and files are not saved. I have tried slax, knoppix, and hackin9.
I would like knoppix installed but im a n00b to linux.
ps could someone tell me what kde is?
Thanks

KDE is one of the various graphical desktop environments that are available for Linux.

My bad, someone reported the post, I didn't read the whole thing. Ignore me!

Perhaps you missed this?