tomwbro
May 31st, 2011, 04:40 AM
Hello. I am getting ready to install Ubuntu on my brand new HP desktop running Windows 7 64-bit. I want a dual boot setup because I will need Windows for work-related projects, but use Linux for everything else.
When I tried to shrink the main Windows partition of 1 TB, Windows said the maximum I could shrink it was 500 GB. After a defrag, I learned this was because there are system files excluded from the defrag process stored in the middle of the drive, including the MFT (or backup space reserved for the MFT). I defragmented with Windows, PerfectDisk, and MyDefrag, all with the same result.
I have not found a reliable source indicating that the MFT and excluded files can be moved up closer to the beginning of the partition.
Then I read that when you use the disk partitioning tool included in the Ubuntu installation process that it will effectively move the troublesome excluded files when I set the partition space. Is this true?
I tried it, but didn't have the guts to click "install". I started the Ubuntu installer and it says Windows takes up about 32 GB. I moved the slider back and forth that chooses the amount of space reserved for Windows and the amount reserved for Ubuntu. But my concern is that if I do it this way, the MFT and other system files will be lost and Windows will have trouble on reboot.
My goal is to leave 50 GB (or even 100 GB) for Windows and the rest for Ubuntu. 500 GB for each OS won't cut it.
Thank you in advance for you help.
When I tried to shrink the main Windows partition of 1 TB, Windows said the maximum I could shrink it was 500 GB. After a defrag, I learned this was because there are system files excluded from the defrag process stored in the middle of the drive, including the MFT (or backup space reserved for the MFT). I defragmented with Windows, PerfectDisk, and MyDefrag, all with the same result.
I have not found a reliable source indicating that the MFT and excluded files can be moved up closer to the beginning of the partition.
Then I read that when you use the disk partitioning tool included in the Ubuntu installation process that it will effectively move the troublesome excluded files when I set the partition space. Is this true?
I tried it, but didn't have the guts to click "install". I started the Ubuntu installer and it says Windows takes up about 32 GB. I moved the slider back and forth that chooses the amount of space reserved for Windows and the amount reserved for Ubuntu. But my concern is that if I do it this way, the MFT and other system files will be lost and Windows will have trouble on reboot.
My goal is to leave 50 GB (or even 100 GB) for Windows and the rest for Ubuntu. 500 GB for each OS won't cut it.
Thank you in advance for you help.