I have media center 2005.I am interested in checking out linux,and having both on my hard drive.I know you can only run one at a time,have to have two boot volumes.How do tell if you have more than one volume?If you have to repartition and reformat your hard drive,how difficult is that?Is the information on how to do that readily available and easily understood?I am definitetly not a computer whiz,but can follow and understand instructions pretty well.Also is there a way to transfer programs from original O.S. that came preinstalled without the product key?I know you can do it with files and folders and such,but not sure about programs like media center,Adobe,ect.Definitely will give 10 points for a good response and would greatly appreciate the help.
2007-03-16 18:05:41 · 4 answers · asked by james i 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
There are programs like Partition Magic, and Acronis Disk Director that you can make partitions with. I just recently learned how to do it, and it's suprisingly easier than I thought. I even thought about trying out Linux as well. Once you create a new partition, and add an O.S. to it, your PC will prompt you at start-up to choose an OS. It is timed, so if you dont choose it will just pick the one listed as 1 (which I believe would be the new one.)You dont have to reformat at all, and you can move certain things, but some folders like the Documents and Settings need to be on the same partition as windows. I tried Magic Disk, but I found that Acronis was a little easier and just better. I dont think it is free, but you can find a free full version of it from sites like Mininova, Bitenova, theres lots of torrent sites out there. You will need a client to be able to download torrents. I recommend BitComet. If you need assistance, just email me. I dont mind at all, cause I love to help people and I have nothing better to do!! good luck!
2007-03-16 18:20:56 · answer #1 · answered by clone17 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two OS's are a good option...but it depends on your needs. For the average consumer, of course it isn't a good option. It just adds more confusion. For someone looking to learn, like yourself, sure, it's a great thing. But I certainly wouldn't give Linux a try, but that's your decision.
One option is to format your hard drive and create two (or more) seperate partitions. Then install each OS to a seperate partition.
The second option, and the one I would recommend for you, is to purchase a second hard drive and install it as a slave. This way you don't have to mess with your current Windows installation. You just install another OS to the second partition and keep them seperate.
As you said, transferring files and folders is easy, but you can't copy one program to another hard drive and expect it to work. It just doesn't work like that. And without an installation key, you can forget it.
I hope that gives you general direction on what you're wanting to do. A hard drive is relatively cheap these days and installing it takes every bit of 2 minutes.
If you need more information, feel free to message me.
2007-03-17 01:18:55 · answer #2 · answered by Benjamin M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to format your harddrive. install the OS in drive other than your initial one. for example, if your initial one is in C, install the other one in D or anything. when you start your computer, it will give option whether you want to open with your initial OS or your new one.
2007-03-17 01:11:49 · answer #3 · answered by pendekar_zirah_argentum 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should stick with Windows unless you know what you are doing
2007-03-17 01:10:05 · answer #4 · answered by absolutebalderdash1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋