partitioning hard drive for ubuntu with windows xp already on it
 

Hi,
Is it possible to partition my hard drive that already has windows xp on it to be able to install ubuntu. I tried to partition it from the ubuntu cd and dvd install icon but do not understand how to use the partition tool. I say manual partition and see the partitions. But when I try to edit the 69997mb partition that also has windows xp on it I get an edit a partition window. I don't know how to proceed from there. I also tried from the GParted window and see my partitions but the partition with win xp on it I want to install ubuntu has a yellow triangle with exclamation point in it. I try to resize it but am unable to. I bought a book "A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux" by Mark Sobell and it says to highlight the drive to be partitioned and unmount it. I can't do that because the unmount button is not available. I also got a message from ubuntu that there was a problem with the drive and I should run checkdisk /f in windows but XP doesn't recognise that command in the command prompt line. Can anyone help me?
p.s. I do have ubuntu running on my desktop but had to format the drive and reinstall windows xp and ubuntu to get it to work. I would like to not have to do that, if possible, on my laptop.

ok, first of all, just go along with what the installer wizard wants you to do. second, the command is chkdsk /f, not checkdisk

the installer should have a guided partitioning option, and just go with that. the recommended should shrink your windows partition and install ubuntu on the other part. do check this step though, if the installer suggests to wipe the disk, and you select it, your data is gone.

but you do need to run chkdsk /f first, as the installer uses the same commands that gparted uses. it will generate an error if your windows volume still has a check tag on it.


good luck,
rabbit2345 ^_^