(SOLVED) Installation: can partitioning be skipped?

[hilltownboy]

With a new live CD (PCLinuxOS-lxde-2012.06) I am hoping to install to an already-created and formatted partition on my hard drive.  But the Draklive installation process provides only one alternative that possibly does not foul up existing partitions, namely Custom Partitioning. But nowhere have I been able to find out whether one can proceed with that to direct the installation into the desired partition without actually repartitioning the HD.
The HD has another linix distribution and all my files, as well as Windows (that came with the HP laptop and that I hardly ever use); I don't want to risk wiping out any of this.

[Bald Brick]

You can use your existing partitions. You just have to check that no partition is marked for formatting if you don't want it to be.
 

[sling-shot]

When you select Custom partition, you are able to define which of your partitions are mounted where. Of course you will also be able to re-partition/adjust partitions based on your preference.

Once you reach the review for formatting stage, just make sure to remove any ticks placed against the partitions which you do not want formatted. (per Bald Brick above)

And there is still one scary screen to sit through when you will be wondering if it is actually just wiping your disk anyway

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Ah! Just forgot our traditional "Welcome to PCLinuxOS."

Please go through the following:
> Usage rules - http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/board,28.0.html
> General News and Announcements - http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/board,1.0.html
> Welcome centre - http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/board,1.0.html

[hilltownboy]

Thank you both for your very helpful replies.  Now I can install with confidence, but just in case, first I'll attempt using linux to back up Windows XP, which apparently can be done with ntfsclone (my regular linux is always backed up).
My interest in PCLinux comes from a "Linux Bible" DVD containing bootable versions of live CDs of ten well-known linux distributions.  Of these, only PCLinux always invariably and seamlessly opens wifi communications without fail.

[menotu]

Thank you both for your very helpful replies.  Now I can install with confidence, but just in case, first I'll attempt using linux to back up Windows XP, which apparently can be done with ntfsclone (my regular linux is always backed up).
My interest in PCLinux comes from a "Linux Bible" DVD containing bootable versions of live CDs of ten well-known linux distributions.  Of these, only PCLinux always invariably and seamlessly opens wifi communications without fail.

I normally use pre -formatted partitions prior to installing PCLinuxOS - just a matter of pointing the installer to them.

The installer should pick up your Windows partition(s) as well.

And a big welcome to the best forum in town, lovely to have you with us.

[Bald Brick]

Sorry, hilltownboy,

I too forgot the welcome. I didn't notice that your first post actually was just that, not only in the thread but on the forum. Anyway, you are most welcome! 

[Just17]

Be careful and ensure that any defaults the installer makes for the partition mounts are removed by you and replaced with your specific choices.
All should be good after that.

Welcome aboard! 

[jimwilk]

hilltownboy,

A warm welcome to you too, from New Zealand.

You have arrived at the right place here in this forum and with PCLinuxOS.

Jim

[hilltownboy]

Worked like a charm!   Just go to work on the target partition and leave the others alone.

Only real difficulty: Grub2 in my Debian would not load PCLinux which uses the legacy grub.  A lot of detective work was required to find out how to get around that, until I came across PCLinux Forums>Help>General>Cannot add pclinux to grub of other OS.  It has a fix.