Re: Install ubuntu on Windows 7 with 4 partitions
ince you already have four partitions, that is the maximum allowed. Simply removing HP_TOOLS is not the solution -- as it is too small to be of any use.
So first, copy all the files and folders inside the HP_TOOLS partition into your Win7 OS partition.
Second, open up the Win 7 Disk Management tool. NOW, you can remove the HP_TOOLS partition.
Third, shrink the Win7 OS partition to make room on the drive. Win7 is very finicky about its OS partition being messed with from "outside" with other tools -- like GParted. While it may be OK, it's more likely to result in filesystem corruption, which will then render Win7 unbootable.
Fourth, you will need a way, in the future, to restore Win7 to its present state -- and you can do that without using the Recovery partition. Download and install the free version of Macrium Reflect. Hook up an external drive, and use MR to image off the Win7 OS and its boot partition to that drive. Then, use the MR option to create and burn a Linux Boot CD.
Now, using that CD, you have the ability to restore your current Win7 setup from that backup.
Fifth, you can now go back into the Win7 Disk Management tool and remove the Recovery partition. Do not format the free space, leave it as is.
Finally, BEFORE you install Ubuntu, use the Win7 Backup feature to create and burn a Win7 Repair CD. You might need this later if the dual-boot install corrupts the Win7 boot loader.
When you then install Ubuntu, use the "Something Else" option to allow Manual Partitioning.
Ubuntu 20.04, Mint 19.10; MS Win10 Pro.
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