New to linux: partitions..


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Hi guys, I hope I won't bother you too much with another "help me to install linux" topic...

I have Windows XP installed on my PC (one harddrive only). I would like to erase all the data on my disk (my windows is buggy) and re-install WinXP.

Problem is, I'm not sure how to make 2 partitions for XP. For example, one for the windows folders and the second one for all my files/music/programs etc.

After that, how can I install linux, for example opensuse, (I heard it is easy for beginners) if XP takes 2 partitions...I would have 5 partitions in total ?!?!?!(1:XP Core, 2:XP Files/Music, 3-4-5:the 3 linux partitions).

Help would be greatly appreciated, :D

Thanks,

-Sim1

P.S.

I think I have Partition Magic for Windows (if that helps).

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This is actually not too difficult to do, and if you're planning on completely wiping your disk (including all partitions) it's actually even easier.

Firstly, pay attention to the XP installation. At some point you'll be asked how you want to install it. Tell the installer to erase any current partitons and then create a ~10GB partition (or whatever size you feel is necessary) for XP to go on. Leave the rest of you drive alone for now.

Install XP.

Once up an running, use XP's drive management tools to create a new partition on some of the unused space left on your drive. You could also use Partition Magic to do this. Remember to leave some unallocated space for Linux! ;) Again, 10-20 GB should be ample for Linux, but it's your choice.

Once your new Data partition is created, format it in NTFS and start using it! Tip: Point "My Documents" to the new drive/partition.

That takes care of XP. Linux installs in a similar way, but it can still be a little confusing if you haven't done it before. Each distro's installer varies a little, but just take your time and be sure of what you're doing. One thing to be careful of is that it's worryingly easy to accidently let Linux erase the entire disk again as it sets itself up. Make sure you tell the installer to use the "unallocated" space at the end of your drive to create it's partitions. Some will help you out and just do any relevant further partitioning for you, others you'll need to tell it to create "/" (root), "home" and "swap" partitions (plus any others you might want, but 3 will suffice).

Of course, it goes without saying that you need to have your important stuff backed-up before you do any of this! At least that way, you can "play" with how you want your disk setup without worrying about loosing anything important.

Edited by Mr Fish
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Thanks for the quick response,

I would like to know if it was a good idea to make the first partition of xp in NTFS and after the installation like you said, make the second one a FAT32 partition for my music/programs etc. That way, I could use my media library in linux? Or should I leave it in NTFS?

Thanks again, :)

-Sim1

Edit:

On the first XP partition, I should install only the bare minimum, (like AV, Firewall, Windows Updates, Drivers) right? Is there something I should or should not install in particular?

Edit2: I didn't understand what you meant by "Tip: Point "My Documents" to the new drive/partition."...

Edited by sim1
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These days Linux has good NTFS support, so there's no need to use FAT32.

Setup XP however you want. You will need your hardware drivers and security apps; but really that's enough for now. If you're not planning on installing much on XP you can probably get away with a much smaller partition. I've got a minimal install on my disk that I've squeezed onto a 5GB partition.

The tip I was suggesting means that your new partition that you created for all your "stuff" gets automatically used by XP as "My Documents". See here.

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