dual boot ubuntu and windows 7

[acefromspace]

I have always done dual boot (windows xp and linux) myself from a fresh install (windows and linux) but now I'm helping friends try linux and I have to install linux while keeping their windows. Should I run live ubuntu disc and let it partition windows (and create free space) or partion using windows first. Also, any difference between doing this with windows 7 and what I'm used to with windows xp? I tried using ubuntu install disc and chose install side by side with windows xp and it messed up the windows boot (MBR ?) If it's a big hard drive, any need to defrag windows first?

[oldfred]

Best to use Windows 7 own tools to shrink the system partition or c: drive.
Defrag is always good maintenance in Windows and would make the shrink easier or quicker.
Always immediately reboot into Windows so it can run chkdsk or make repairs for its new size.
Never create partitions with Windows, if it converts to dynamic partitions it will never work with Linux.

Most Windows 7 systems also use all 4 primary partitions.
My laptop already has 4 primary partitions: how can I install Ubuntu?
http://askubuntu.com/questions/149821/my-laptop-already-has-4-primary-partitions-how-can-i-install-ubuntu
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 utility partitions:
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware/Hp-Tools-Partion/td-p/228360
For a complete blow-by-blow on dealing with HP's four partitions, see Full Circle Magazine, issue 41, page 36. - gordintoronto
http://fullcirclemagazine.org/

And things happen. System knows if you have not made a backup and makes you hit the wrong key. - ok not really but some of the requests we get seem that way :)

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=2137439&p=12611710#post12611710
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://forums.techarena.in/guides-tutorials/1114725.htm
Windows users only - Silverlight
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/Create-a-system-repair-disc

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
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot
http://askubuntu.com/questions/6328/how-do-i-install-ubuntu
https://sites.google.com/site/easylinuxtipsproject/first
Install with screen shots, auto install option
http://howtoubuntu.org/how-to-install-ubuntu-13-04-raring-ringtail#.UfFD-uHAMfT
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installing
Install options, Do not use erase entire drive unless that is really what you want. That is entire hard drive not just Windows c: "drive".
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/help/install-desktop-long-term-support