Install Linux over Windows XP without formatting Hard Disk?
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Is there a way I can install Linux onto my hard disk but without formatting it so that all my current files stay on my PC.
It currently runs Windows XP and I want to completely replace XP and make the system boot Linux and have no trace of Windows XP on it at all.
I have downloaded Linux Mint and plan on using that.
It currently runs Windows XP and I want to completely replace XP and make the system boot Linux and have no trace of Windows XP on it at all.
I have downloaded Linux Mint and plan on using that.
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You could install Linux on a different partition, and allow the Linux installer to shrink down the XP partition to make room for itself. But XP would still be there.
You could then access your files through the Linux file manager, and choose never to boot into XP.
Your best bet though, if you want to get rid of XP, is to back up your personal files to a USB drive, then install Linux using the whole of the hard drive, then import your files back into the Linux Home folder.
Once Linux is loaded just use youre backed up files and copy them into Mint.
You do have a backup of youre files?
If not youre running before you can walk, and playing with fire.
You have actualy tried the live dvd of Mint before you make the decision to wipe Xp, to see if you like it?
What if you dont like any version of linux, or it wont run on youre hardware, can you reload windows?
So many unanswerd questions before we start giving advice.
Completely agree with this.
After installing Linux go to the dropbox website and it will recognise Linux Mint (Ubuntu) and install a Linux version and download your files.
You definitely need a back-up as it is always possible to format the wrong drive by mistake.
If you are moving from XP that suggests an old machine. I would not install Cinnamon. I tried Linux Mint XFCE after Cinnamon but am now using LXLE which I ma very happy with.
Have you seen this thread?
http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1942343
Or if you want to sort out your partitions in advance follow this guide http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/dual-boot-windows-7-ubuntu.html
Dedoimedo has a lot of useful reviews and guides on computer issues.
http://puppylinux.com
Best way to get started is just to burn yourself a Live CD of it. This will boot from the CD drive and you can copy out all your wanted files to an external drive as a back-up (even in cases where Windows won't boot). As others have said, a back-up should be made somehow as a first step anyway.
From there you have lots of options. Create a save-file and continue to boot Puppy from CD and run it for a while to get used to it. This will not disturb the Windows XP. You can also do a frugal install to the Windows partition and dual-boot, but once you have decided that the Windows is no longer needed the best thing is to use the (included) Gparted to format the hard drive as Linux ext2 or ext3 (rather than ntfs) and install Puppy Linux in that. I would still go for the frugal install but you can do it as full install if you prefer.
It is like a proffesional flight simulator. it really seems as if you are using a Linux PC.
All emulation files are stored on a virtual disk which simply looks like a file from XP.
No disk formatting or partitioning or dual boot needed.
This is a zero cost and low risk option and easy to try before doing a more complex solution. worst case is that it doesnt work and you simply delete virtual disk and uninstall virtualbox.
Virtualbox even supplies some ready made linux solutions (free).
VMware is another good free emulator but not sure if it works on XP.
If anything that's harmful to Windows gets downloaded, would this be downloaded in Windows?
By default it can't share files with the host Windows, although you can set it up to do that if you want, you don't have to if worried about security.
Having said that, if the OP's reason for getting rid of XP is because it's slow to boot up, then this obviously isn't going to help, because you'd have to boot up XP then boot up the virtual Linux OS.
That's absolutely the least risk approach for someone new to Linux, or in my case wanting to try things out before buying a new Linux PC.
I'm inside Ubuntu 12.04 LTS running on Virtualbox on Win7 as I type this. I can 'see' my Windows folders from Linux.
I worry about that. I don't think so if you keep things downloaded in Linux inside Linux on the VM, but, if you share Windows folders like I do, anything put in a Windows folder is a potential problem to Windows. Also, there must be low level vulnerabilities in the Windows stuff Virtualbox "sits upon" at the driver level.
Presenting the WUBI install: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/windows-installer
Leaves Windows alone and is a great tool for those not comfortable with messing around with the partitions on their HD.
Downside - doesn't like Windows 8 branded machines with UEFI.
all his/her documents and any other important stuff on the original hard drive, as well as making backups.
Linux will prompt you to install a new boot loader, and when it detects a Windows installation, that becomes
an option on the boot menu. When Linux Mint is installed as a "dual-boot" like this, it relegates Windows to
the bottom of the boot menu, and puts all the Linux boot options directly above. That way, your Windows
install and everything within stays intact until you are ready to totally wipe the original Windows drive or
upgrade it to a newer version of Windows. Although the latter option of upgrading Windows after Linux
has a tendency of removing the Linux boot loader and replacing it with the Windows boot loader.
If you go down that root.
Its best to just unplg the windows HD.
Install Linux in spare.
This leaves the pesky grub off both HDS.
Reconnect both drives.
Reboot and choose with use if the f keys what HD you want to biit into.
and once you have done the above then you can fart around and do all sorts of daft things with no worries
This is a really low risk. The windows shared folder is protected by any anti virus or firewall software used by windows. I may be sticking my head in the firing line but I have never heard of a VM passing viruses to host assuming host is properly protected.
I got the Ubuntu Linux that came with a "Haynes "- type manual, and it installed a dual boot option that works fine.
£15 approx
You didn't need to "buy" Linux.
You may have chosen to pay for a ready made CD/DVD with Linux on it, because it was more convenient for you, but you could have got the same thing for free.
However, it is safe to say that Puppy Linux (I've used it) is unique and distinct to say the least and I wouldn't personally recommend it for anyone who's coming direct from any Windows operating system especially when there are more user-friendly Linux distributions out there as henrywilliams58 has indicated above.
Have an older PC? Try the new Ubuntu Linux-based LXLE
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2031825/have-an-older-pc-try-the-new-ubuntu-linux-based-lxle.html