I am attemting to learn how to partician my harddisk for both Ubuntu16.04 3 and Ubuntu 17.04.

http://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2017/10/ubuntu-17-10-tip-graphical-apps-doesnt-launch-via-root-sudo-gksu/

Its a known issue. There is a work around.

Note that GPartEd will not manipulate the system partition. You will need to boot to live Ubuntu CD for that

It does not make sense to reserve space for Ubuntu 17.04, because this version is not supported any more.

Which operating system are you running when giving this command?
Is this from an Ubuntu installer, or from a system already installed on the hard disk?

(issuing the command "xhost +si:localuser:root" before the "sudo gpoarted" command might help)

The operating system that I'm running is 17.04, it was in the machine when
I got it. I have not installed 16.04 yet, I've only burnt it to DVD. I
suppose I don't really need to keep 17.04 if its not going to be supported.
I'll try the command you suggested. I've used Grsync for backup and have
heard of a program for backing up all the utilities installed, so one
doesn't have to re-install if for ex one changes flavors. Do you know what
it is called?

On 27 March 2018 at 18:47, Manfred Hampl <
<email address hidden>> wrote:

> Your question #667276 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/667276
>
> Manfred Hampl requested more information:
> It does not make sense to reserve space for Ubuntu 17.04, because this
> version is not supported any more.
>
> Which operating system are you running when giving this command?
> Is this from an Ubuntu installer, or from a system already installed on
> the hard disk?
>
> (issuing the command "xhost +si:localuser:root" before the "sudo
> gpoarted" command might help)
>
> --
> To answer this request for more information, you can either reply to
> this email or enter your reply at the following page:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/667276
>
> You received this question notification because you asked the question.
>

I suggest you wipe the install off and do a clean install of Bionic (Ubuntu 18.04). Bionic is LTS and supported until April 2023

ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ xhost +si:localuser:root
localuser:root being added to access control list
ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ sudo gparted
[sudo] lösenord för ubuntu:
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/-.mount → /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-A107\x2d2558.mount →
/dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-Backup\x20copy.mount →
/dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-Porsbackup.mount →
/dev/null.
Created symlink
/run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-Ubuntu\x2dServer\x2016.04.4\x20LTS\x20amd64.mount
→ /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/run-user-1000.mount → /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/run-user-121.mount → /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/snap-core-4206.mount → /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/snap-spotify-6.mount → /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/tmp.mount → /dev/null.
======================
libparted : 3.2
======================
Error fsyncing/closing /dev/sdb: I/O-fel på fjärrmaskin
Error fsyncing/closing /dev/sdb: I/O-fel på fjärrmaskin
Error fsyncing/closing /dev/sdb: I/O-fel på fjärrmaskin
I/O-fel på fjärrmaskin under skrivning på /dev/sdb
Error fsyncing/closing /dev/sdb: I/O-fel på fjärrmaskin
Error fsyncing/closing /dev/sdb: I/O-fel på fjärrmaskin
Error fsyncing/closing /dev/sdb: I/O-fel på fjärrmaskin
Error fsyncing/closing /dev/sdb: I/O-fel på fjärrmaskin
Error fsyncing/closing /dev/sdb: I/O-fel på fjärrmaskin

This was the result.

On 27 March 2018 at 22:07, Graeme Booth <email address hidden> wrote:

> The operating system that I'm running is 17.04, it was in the machine when
> I got it. I have not installed 16.04 yet, I've only burnt it to DVD. I
> suppose I don't really need to keep 17.04 if its not going to be supported.
> I'll try the command you suggested. I've used Grsync for backup and have
> heard of a program for backing up all the utilities installed, so one
> doesn't have to re-install if for ex one changes flavors. Do you know what
> it is called?
>
> On 27 March 2018 at 18:47, Manfred Hampl <question667276@answers.
> launchpad.net> wrote:
>
>> Your question #667276 on Ubuntu changed:
>> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/667276
>>
>> Manfred Hampl requested more information:
>> It does not make sense to reserve space for Ubuntu 17.04, because this
>> version is not supported any more.
>>
>> Which operating system are you running when giving this command?
>> Is this from an Ubuntu installer, or from a system already installed on
>> the hard disk?
>>
>> (issuing the command "xhost +si:localuser:root" before the "sudo
>> gpoarted" command might help)
>>
>> --
>> To answer this request for more information, you can either reply to
>> this email or enter your reply at the following page:
>> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/667276
>>
>> You received this question notification because you asked the question.
>>
>
>

Before starting to give instructions how to partition a disk for two Ubuntu systems besides each other - why do you want to set up your computer like this? What do you expect to win, compared to a single Ubuntu system?

No more message "cannot open display: :0", so apparently the xhost command helps with that.
But now there are other error messages, and it seems that there is a problem on hard disk /dev/sdb.
I do not know your current disk setup, so it is hard do tell what a possible cause might be for this.

How did you start the computer when running this command?

I started as usual it's,- ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p Intel® Core™2 Duo CPU
E8400 @ 3.00GHz × 2 64 bit
You have convinced me to wipe the hard disk with Ubuntu 16.I tried again
and got this result:
I can always download a couple of other flavors onto DVDs.
The latest try (furthest down) the terminal wouldn't take my password.
Yes it's time to wipe.

ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ sudo gparted
[sudo] lösenord för ubuntu:
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/-.mount → /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-A107\x2d2558.mount →
/dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-Backup\x20copy.mount →
/dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-Porsbackup.mount →
/dev/null.
Created symlink
/run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-Ubuntu\x2dServer\x2016.04.4\x20LTS\x20amd64.mount
→ /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/run-user-1000.mount → /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/run-user-121.mount → /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/snap-core-4206.mount → /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/snap-spotify-6.mount → /dev/null.
Created symlink /run/systemd/system/tmp.mount → /dev/null.
No protocol specified

(gpartedbin:2627): Gtk-WARNING **: cannot open display: :0
Removed /run/systemd/system/-.mount.
Removed /run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-A107\x2d2558.mount.
Removed /run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-Backup\x20copy.mount.
Removed /run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-Porsbackup.mount.
Removed
/run/systemd/system/media-ubuntu-Ubuntu\x2dServer\x2016.04.4\x20LTS\x20amd64.mount.
Removed /run/systemd/system/run-user-1000.mount.
Removed /run/systemd/system/run-user-121.mount.
Removed /run/systemd/system/snap-core-4206.mount.
Removed /run/systemd/system/snap-spotify-6.mount.
Removed /run/systemd/system/tmp.mount.
ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ /dev/sdb.
bash: /dev/sdb.: Filen eller katalogen finns inte
ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$

ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ xhost +si:localuser:root
localuser:root being added to access control list
ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ sudo gparted
[sudo] lösenord för ubuntu:
Försök igen.
[sudo] lösenord för ubuntu:

On 27 March 2018 at 22:32, Manfred Hampl <
<email address hidden>> wrote:

> Your question #667276 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/667276
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> Manfred Hampl requested more information:
> Before starting to give instructions how to partition a disk for two
> Ubuntu systems besides each other - why do you want to set up your
> computer like this? What do you expect to win, compared to a single
> Ubuntu system?
>
> No more message "cannot open display: :0", so apparently the xhost command
> helps with that.
> But now there are other error messages, and it seems that there is a
> problem on hard disk /dev/sdb.
> I do not know your current disk setup, so it is hard do tell what a
> possible cause might be for this.
>
> How did you start the computer when running this command?
>
> --
> To answer this request for more information, you can either reply to
> this email or enter your reply at the following page:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/667276
>
> You received this question notification because you asked the question.
>

It seems that I was not clear enough with my question , that you could understand it:

How did you boot the computer when you tried this gparted session?
Did you boot the computer from an installation DVD, or from a bootable USB stick, or from the Ubuntu system that is already installed on the hard disk?

I see references to the following disks or partitions:
A107-2558
Backup copy
Porsbackup
Ubuntu-Server 16.04.4 LTS amd64

Are these external disks, or the partitions installed in the built-in hard disk?

I am a but puzzled to see "Ubuntu-server". I assumed that you want to install a desktop version?

I haven't booted, the system opens very fast and I hardly have time to use
it. When I manage to "enter" on it, the different choses that appear
disappear so fast that I don't have time to choose one..
Yes from the Ubuntu system that is already installed on the hard disk. So,
on my old commuter I had 5 seconds time to choose to boot (from scratch )
which I did quite often.
The first must be the installed system, the other 3 are: one external
hard-disk, and two USBs. My new computer is a small desktop. So yes a
desktop is what I want

On 28 March 2018 at 13:09, Manfred Hampl <
<email address hidden>> wrote:

> Your question #667276 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/667276
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> Manfred Hampl requested more information:
> It seems that I was not clear enough with my question , that you could
> understand it:
>
> How did you boot the computer when you tried this gparted session?
> Did you boot the computer from an installation DVD, or from a bootable USB
> stick, or from the Ubuntu system that is already installed on the hard disk?
>
> I see references to the following disks or partitions:
> A107-2558
> Backup copy
> Porsbackup
> Ubuntu-Server 16.04.4 LTS amd64
>
> Are these external disks, or the partitions installed in the built-in
> hard disk?
>
> I am a but puzzled to see "Ubuntu-server". I assumed that you want to
> install a desktop version?
>
> --
> To answer this request for more information, you can either reply to
> this email or enter your reply at the following page:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/667276
>
> You received this question notification because you asked the question.
>

Sorry, the Ubuntu-server.. is a DVD sitting in the computer, one that I have burnt in preparation for installing.

I recommend to do everything as simple as possible.

Remove the DVD, all USB sticks and all external hard disks, and start the computer again.
I assume that this will boot the pre-installed Ubuntu version, probably 17.04.

Please try verifying this by describing what there happens through the boot process (do you see the Ubuntu logo with the dots, etc.) and provide the output of the following commands:

uname -a
lsb_release -crid
whoami
groups
sudo fdisk -l
mount

 This booted the pre-installed Ubuntu version, 17.04. I saw the Ubuntu logo
with the dots, etc.

ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ uname -a
Linux ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p 4.13.0-37-generic #42-Ubuntu SMP Wed Mar 7
14:13:23 UTC 2018 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ lsb_release -crid
Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description: Ubuntu 17.10
Release: 17.10
Codename: artful
ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ whoami
ubuntu
ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ groups
ubuntu adm cdrom sudo dip plugdev lpadmin sambashare
ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ sudo fdisk -l
[sudo] lösenord för ubuntu:
Disk /dev/loop0: 81,7 MiB, 85692416 byte, 167368 sektorer
Enheter: sektorer av 1 * 512 = 512 byte
Sektorstorlek (logisk/fysisk): 512 byte / 512 byte
I/O-storlek (minsta/optimal): 512 byte / 512 byte

Disk /dev/loop1: 162,6 MiB, 170479616 byte, 332968 sektorer
Enheter: sektorer av 1 * 512 = 512 byte
Sektorstorlek (logisk/fysisk): 512 byte / 512 byte
I/O-storlek (minsta/optimal): 512 byte / 512 byte

Disk /dev/sda: 238,5 GiB, 256060514304 byte, 500118192 sektorer
Enheter: sektorer av 1 * 512 = 512 byte
Sektorstorlek (logisk/fysisk): 512 byte / 512 byte
I/O-storlek (minsta/optimal): 512 byte / 512 byte
Disketikettstyp: dos
Diskidentifierare: 0x55ad2300

Enhet Start Början Slutet Sektorer Storlek Id Typ
/dev/sda1 * 2048 500117503 500115456 238,5G 83 Linux

ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$ mount
sysfs on /sys type sysfs (rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime)
proc on /proc type proc (rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime)
udev on /dev type devtmpfs
(rw,nosuid,relatime,size=3782768k,nr_inodes=945692,mode=755)
devpts on /dev/pts type devpts
(rw,nosuid,noexec,relatime,gid=5,mode=620,ptmxmode=000)
tmpfs on /run type tmpfs (rw,nosuid,noexec,relatime,size=761984k,mode=755)
/dev/sda1 on / type ext4 (rw,relatime,errors=remount-ro,data=ordered)
securityfs on /sys/kernel/security type securityfs
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime)
tmpfs on /dev/shm type tmpfs (rw,nosuid,nodev)
tmpfs on /run/lock type tmpfs (rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,size=5120k)
tmpfs on /sys/fs/cgroup type tmpfs (ro,nosuid,nodev,noexec,mode=755)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/unified type cgroup2
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/systemd type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,xattr,name=systemd)
pstore on /sys/fs/pstore type pstore (rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/perf_event type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,perf_event)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/devices type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,devices)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/blkio type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,blkio)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/memory type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,memory)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/freezer type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,freezer)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/net_cls,net_prio type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,net_cls,net_prio)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/cpuset type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,cpuset)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/rdma type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,rdma)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/cpu,cpuacct type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,cpu,cpuacct)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/pids type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,pids)
cgroup on /sys/fs/cgroup/hugetlb type cgroup
(rw,nosuid,nodev,noexec,relatime,hugetlb)
systemd-1 on /proc/sys/fs/binfmt_misc type autofs
(rw,relatime,fd=29,pgrp=1,timeout=0,minproto=5,maxproto=5,direct,pipe_ino=12801)
mqueue on /dev/mqueue type mqueue (rw,relatime)
hugetlbfs on /dev/hugepages type hugetlbfs (rw,relatime,pagesize=2M)
debugfs on /sys/kernel/debug type debugfs (rw,relatime)
fusectl on /sys/fs/fuse/connections type fusectl (rw,relatime)
configfs on /sys/kernel/config type configfs (rw,relatime)
/var/lib/snapd/snaps/core_4206.snap on /snap/core/4206 type squashfs
(ro,nodev,relatime)
/var/lib/snapd/snaps/spotify_6.snap on /snap/spotify/6 type squashfs
(ro,nodev,relatime,x-gdu.hide)
tmpfs on /run/user/121 type tmpfs
(rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,size=761980k,mode=700,uid=121,gid=127)
tmpfs on /run/user/1000 type tmpfs
(rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,size=761980k,mode=700,uid=1000,gid=1000)
gvfsd-fuse on /run/user/1000/gvfs type fuse.gvfsd-fuse
(rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,user_id=1000,group_id=1000)
ubuntu@ubuntu-ThinkCentre-M58p:~$

On 28 March 2018 at 15:43, Manfred Hampl <
<email address hidden>> wrote:

> Your question #667276 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/667276
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> Manfred Hampl requested more information:
> I recommend to do everything as simple as possible.
>
> Remove the DVD, all USB sticks and all external hard disks, and start the
> computer again.
> I assume that this will boot the pre-installed Ubuntu version, probably
> 17.04.
>
> Please try verifying this by describing what there happens through the
> boot process (do you see the Ubuntu logo with the dots, etc.) and
> provide the output of the following commands:
>
> uname -a
> lsb_release -crid
> whoami
> groups
> sudo fdisk -l
> mount
>
> --
> To answer this request for more information, you can either reply to
> this email or enter your reply at the following page:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/667276
>
> You received this question notification because you asked the question.
>

Thanks Manfred Hampl, that solved my question.