automatically set up dual-boot?

[mgh]

Hi All,

Seems like the last time I installed a Linux distro, it had the option to resize my main partition, and it set up everything needed to dual-boot.

Does PCLinux have such an option?

I have created the partitions necessary for a dual-boot in the past, but it has been a while.

Thanks for any help.

[ElCuervo]

Yes. Boot the LiveCD and start the process to see. You can abort before you commit the changes.

[Aradalf]

If you have already shrunk your Windows partition, but not set up any partitions, select use free space.
If you have already set up the partitions, then select use existing Linux partitions.
If you have not made any changes to your partition layout, then choose Use free space on a Windows partition, and decide how much space you would like for PCLinuxOS.
That's all there is! Easy, huh?

[mgh]

Excellent!  That is what I was hoping.

Thanks for the help.

[Taco.22]

The applications needed to facilitate a dual boot install are "ntfsprogs".  Some mini type versions, eg Openbox Bonsai, don't have them installed by default.  You'll see this when trying to partition the hd and some obvious choices are missing.  The missing app can be installed to the live cd through Synaptic and the hd installation can go ahead as normal.  Just remember that anything installed to the live cd is lost on reboot.

I discovered this when I did a dual boot install with my Astronomy Edition remaster which is based on Bonsai.  Next revision will include that software.

[mgh]

I do not see any options to "use free space".

I only get - erase and use entire disk - or - custom -

The custom option is wanting me to format and mount etc.  I am unable to resize, or mount.

Disappointed.

[Old-Polack]

I do not see any options to "use free space".

I only get - erase and use entire disk - or - custom -

The custom option is wanting me to format and mount etc.  I am unable to resize, or mount.

Disappointed.

Or delete, and create new partitions of the size you desire. You can't mount an un-formatted partition because you don't mount partitions, you mount the filesystem contained within the partition.

Personally, I create my partitions with the fdisk application, format with the commands mkfs -t ext4 -L <label name> /dev/<whatever> and mkswap -L <label name> /dev/<whatever> first, then choose Custom and Use Existing Partitions. From there I choose which partition should be / and which should be /home, (if I choose to have a separate /home) mark all partitions to not be formatted, (unchecked) and let the installer copy over all the files.

[Taco.22]

What version are you trying to install?  The options you are describing are sounding similar to what I mentioned above.  Close out of the installer, launch Synaptic and do a search for "ntfsprogs".  If it is unchecked, check for install and apply.  Once installed relaunch the installer and you should have the option of resizing the Windows partition, and creating Linux partitions.  All of this is done within the live boot session.  Don't log out.  Well, actually you can log out and not lose changes, but don't reboot until installation is done! 

[mgh]

Thanks, I will take a look at ntfsprogs.

I am not certain what version I have, but I just downloaded it a few days ago, and selected the most recent version I saw.

[Dragynn]

I usually pre-format the entire HD first with G-parted. And then install winders first on the NTFS partition, and PCLOS next using an ext4 partition, works like a charm every time. But I have also installed re-sizing an existing NTFS partition, again using G-parted to re-size the NTFS partition. The G-parted liveCD is an amazing tool, never failed me yet. Jest my .02.

[Taco.22]

Well there you go - I have, for the first time, just encountered the issue that mgh has.  And I think the work around is simple.  Launch the installer.  When given only the choice of "erase entire disc", or "custom", click on "custom".  Then click on the Windows partition.  You then have the option of resizing it.  Back in the days of PC2007 it was recommended that you choose a size in multiples of 1024mbs.  Probably still not bad advice.  Write to disk.  You can then go on making Linux partitions, or if you prefer the automatic approach, quit out of the installer and relaunch it.   You should then see the "use free space" option and leave the installer to do its thing.

Just remember to defrag Windows before any of this.  This goes for any dual-boot with Windows, unless it is a fresh install.  Windows treats its hard-drive like a teenager treats its bedroom - just chucks crap everywhere!  You need to round everything up neatly.  You can also do the partition process with GParted, but you need to know what you're doing.  But then, OB Bonsai doesn't have GParted or ntfsprgs, as I found out!     

[mgh]

I like that idea.

Thanks