Installation over Windows - Ubuntu

[PnkFloyd27]

If I just do the normal Ubuntu installation on the only HDD in the computer, will it write over Windows and all of the programs in it? Or do I have to uninstall windows and/or wipe the HDD first? If so how do I do this?

(I did search google and didn't really get a straight forward answer.)

 

[macdude425]

You can't just "install over" Windows - it doesn't work like that. You'll have to wipe the drive (the installer can do this for you) in order to install Ubuntu.

 

[johnyB_24]

You can have Windows and Linux on different partitions and choose which one you want to boot each time.
There's a very helpful installation guide for Ubuntu here:
https://help.ubuntu.com/

 

[simple]

If you just put in the cd and let it do the "default installation" then it will probably overwrite everything.
My advice (just another noob's advice) dont go for command line installation, go for GUI. its a lot easier.
also before you install linux, make sure you have one "ext (2 or 3)" partition ready and some amount of swap space also!
after you free up this space then the installation cd will autodetect and install linux there keeping your windows and your data safe.
hope this helps you! c ya!!

 

[PnkFloyd27]

How do I partition the HDD? Do I have to do that manually or can I do that in the Ubuntu Installation?

 

[macdude425]

If you have Windows already installed (and no free space) and want to install Ubuntu on the side, you'll have to use a utility like GParted. Otherwise, the installer will do it for you.

 

[PnkFloyd27]

It will? Good, thank you.

 

[CalcProgrammer1]

If you want to keep Windows, and you have XP, then I'd suggest getting a copy of the Linux based "System Rescue CD", I'm using an old version that has QTParted, newer ones use GParted but because of problems I've had with GParted on Ubuntu, I felt like using the QTParted one instead. QTParted can easily and safely resize NTFS partitions to leave space for Ubuntu, and it can format ext2 or ext3 partitions to install Ubuntu on. I've had problems with GParted on Ubuntu's CD destroying NTFS partitions and making me reinstall Windows, thus destroying the partition table because all I have are stupid factory-image Recovery CD's.

 

[Nick]

dont install linux you will regret it like i did!!

 

[Skuzzle]

dont install linux you will regret it like i did!!

whats with this clown.

Linux may not be for everyone, but its always worth giving it a go.