I have a C drive (obviously).
I have a D drive of 137 GB.
I would like to add an additional logical drive so that I can install Linux, but I don't have any unallocated space showing. I suppose the C and D drives are taking all of the hard disk space...and I can't figure out how to change the size of the D drive to create unallocated space.
From My Computer, I right-clicked the D drive, and format, thinking I could reformat it and choose a smaller disk space, but it automatically defaults to 137 GB in the selection window, and doesn't offer any other options.
Any thoughts, ideas from you knowledgeable folks? Thanks!
Windows XP Home version.
2007-01-01 12:06:03 · 3 answers · asked by powhound 7 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Logical drives exist within the Partition of a filesystem. You cannot install Linux simply by adding logical drives. Linux has it's own file system. You have to have addition space that is not already allocated to a partition. The typical process is:
1. Define a partition size
2. Define Logical drive size
3. Format logical drive
Linux works off of partitions and not logical drives.
The reason Windows Disk management defaults to 137GB is because all of the disk space has been allocated to a partiiton and a logical drive.
Also keep in mind that if and when you install Linux, it will install a different boot manager.
You have to use a partition management utility to resize the partition such as Partition Magic.
2007-01-01 12:10:58 · answer #1 · answered by Shawn H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Couple things...
1. You are using ALL of your available disk space for your windows (C drive) and Other drive (D Drive)
2. You need to gain space by one of three ways..either by using a program like partition magic and "resizing" your drive that you want to install linux on, make sure your D drive (Where windows is NOT installed) has no data on it you want to save, OR add another Drive to the computer.
3. Once you figure out what you want to do in step #2, then you can install Linux, whcih will install a boot loader (probably GRUB) that will allow you to choose what operating system to boot into when you turn your computer on..just remember to install it to the Drive you want to use as follows:
Assuming the Drives are SATA or IDE, then they are looked at by linux as hda and hdb (C and D respectively)...so when you install linux use the hdb drive as the drive to install and format for linux. You will NOT be able to see the linux drive from Windows, but you prob will be able to see the "C" drive form Linux so be careful not to erase anything....
When Linux is installed, you will have /dev/hda (C Drive) and /dev/hdb (D Drive - 137GB)
Hope this helps.
2007-01-01 13:05:56 · answer #2 · answered by themadgamer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Use a boot CD for Linux. It has a partitioner included.
IF you don't have a Linux boot CD, download an .iso file for a Linux release of your choice, all of them are free.
Burn the .iso file and go go go.
Good luck
2007-01-01 12:11:17 · answer #3 · answered by Victor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋