Install Linux on Windows XP Without Data Loss

[sid_galt]

I have a SINGLE partition with Windows XP professional. I want to keep it and install one of the Linux versions. How can I repartition my hard drive without losing data and then install Linux.

Please help
Thank you.

 

[Nylex]

I think the best thing you can do is to get a copy of Partition Magic and resize your partition using that. You could also get another hard drive and install Linux on that instead.

 

[sid_galt]

I would but it costs $$$. And I am a student.

 

[robphy]

Possibly useful http://simon.incutio.com/archive/2003/11/30/repartitioning...
It suggests installing knoppix and using (as alternative to Partition Magic)
parted with ntfsresize http://mlf.linux.rulez.org/mlf/ezaz/ntfsresize.html .

 

[sid_galt]

Thank you all for the help

 

[Curious3141]

Most modern distros contain their own partitioning software that can resize NTFS and FAT32 partitions. I know for certain that Mandrake (or Mandriva, now) Linux can do this. No guarantees about safety though.

I always use Partition Magic for no worry resizing, it's reliable and clear. I shrink my Win partitions and install Linux on the freed up space, write the boot loader (I've used both LILO and GRUB at different times) to the MBR and point it to the correct boot partition.

 

[exequor]

Use VMware, not too long ago I installed Ubuntu and it works perfectly normal for me. Maybe it could run a little faster if i ran it from a fresh install. VMware automatically creates a partition for the linux distribution that you want to run. I think you should give it a shot.

 

[TenaliRaman]

Partition Magic does one thing best, gives the best interface there is to create a partition. Ofcourse cheaper ways do exist, and one of them is
http://www.ranish.com/part/

Notice : Experienced user preferred.

-- AI

 

[robphy]

Partition Magic does one thing best, gives the best interface there is to create a partition. Ofcourse cheaper ways do exist, and one of them is
http://www.ranish.com/part/

Notice : Experienced user preferred.

-- AI

While Ranish Partition Manager can create partitions, note

http://www.ranish.com/part/faq.htm][/PLAIN]
Can RPM work with NTFS?
=======================

RPM can only create/boot an NTFS partition. No formatting/resizing
can be done through RPM.

So, the original poster will still need something like ntfsresize. Of course, the non-free Partition Magic can do both resize NTFS partitions and create partitions.

More interesting-reading:
http://linuxmafia.com/faq/Filesystems/ntfs.html
http://mandrivausers.org/index.php?showtopic=25327

 

[sid_galt]

Problems pouring in.
I have intel processor 640 (3.2GHz 64 bit)

Since I don't have a floppy drive or much experience with repartitioning, I downloaded the SystemRescue CD. It won't run. It says "Kernel panic: Attempted to kill init". Does anyone know of a intel 64bit compatible edition of Linux which can resize partitions too.

Are Knoppix 64 and SuSe 64 intel compatible? I have always seen them in reference to AMD 64 bit

 

[TenaliRaman]

So, the original poster will still need something like ntfsresize. Of course, the non-free Partition Magic can do both resize NTFS partitions and create partitions.

Well XP provides options for both NTFS as well as FAT during installation but yeah i guess if he is using NTFS then ranish won't help at all.

-- AI