1 Topic by john1801rambo

  • john1801rambo
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  • Registered: 2008-03-21
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Topic: Partition problem

I have Win XP and would like to install Linux as a dual boot. The system has 1 HDD with NTFS file system. I have downloaded the live CD Gparted on to CD which will run OK. The HDD is 56 Gb with about 35 Gb free space.  I have also done a defrag under Windows, and run CHCKDSK.
My understanding is that I need to shrink the existing partition and install a new blank partition to make room for Linux. When I attempt to use Gparted the resize facility only appears to allow me to shrink the current partition by 8 Mb - any ideas why, or what I am doing wrong?
Many thanks.

2 Reply by class413

  • class413
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  • Registered: 2007-05-25
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Re: Partition problem

You could try to deactivate any running software like antivirus, online compressing tools etc as well as windows virtual memory (swap file), and reactivate them after resizing.

Perhaps you don't need to make any new partition, but to make unallocated space on the disk. The Linux installer usually detects this unallocated space and creates the new partitions. In any case, you should follow a manually partitioning install, not fully automatic, because the automatic could erase the entire disk. Ask for details on a support forum for the specific distro and version you plan to install.

*** It is highly recommended to backup any important files before doing resize/move operations. ***