Install Ubuntu on HDD with 4 Primary Partitions

[rykel]

I would like to install and dual-boot Ubuntu on an ASUS 1215B running AMD and Windows 7 64-bit. The problem is that the hard disk already has FOUR (4) Primary partitions and Ubuntu refuses to continue with the installation.

How can I resolve this situation? Thank you for helping!

[oldfred]

Make recovery, make good full Windows backup, make Windows repairCD first.

Good advice on how to handle all four primary partitions used. - srs5694
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1686440
Be sure to create recovery DVD(s) first. And a Windows repair CD.
HP tools partition discussion - similar for other vendor partitions:
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware/Hp-Tools-Partion/td-p/228360

You will have to delete one. Some suggest the Vendor recovery, others the Vendor utilities. Once you make the DVDs and have good backups the vendor recovery does not offer much. The system tools usually is small and easily backed up. With HP it can be downloaded again if need be and or reinstall to a logical partition. Not sure about other vendors.

The vendor recovery DVDs are just an image of your drive as purchased. If you have housecleaned a lot of cruft normally included, run many updates with many reboots, and added software you may want a full back up.
Backup windows before install - post by Mark Phelps
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1626990
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp
Another suggestion by srs5694
http://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm

Make your own Windows repairCD (not vendor recovery):
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/Create-a-system-repair-disc
http://forums.techarena.in/guides-tutorials/1114725.htm

Windows 7 repair USB, Also Vista if service pack installed
http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-repair-windows-7-from-usb-flash-drive-repair-without-installation-dvd-disc/
http://www.webupd8.org/2010/10/create-bootable-windows-7-usb-drive.html

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GraphicalInstall
http://howtoubuntu.org/how-to-install-ubuntu-12-04-precise-pangolin/

Installs with good screenshots/examples:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~herman546/p22.html (http://members.iinet.net.au/%7Eherman546/p22.html)
Install with separate /home from aysiu
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installseparatehome