I am trying to install Ubuntu 10.04 on to a new HP Pavilion g4-1015dx notebook running Windows 7

I am not sure if this is the correct section to post this question. If it is not, please advise as soon as possible where I should post it... thank you

You have 4 primary partitions - the maximum allowed - so that extra space you made by shrinking sda2 is not usable. Windows 7 can convert partitions to 'dynamic disks' and in that way create more than 4, but these are not usable via linux.

Your options are to merge that space back into sda2 and then install using Wubi http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/windows-installer (which doesn't require partitioning - refer to the Wubi Guide: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/WubiGuide ) or to delete one of those partitions, add the unused space to it, create an extended partition in it's place, and within that you can create many logical partitions.

PS if you choose not to use Wubi, then partitioning is required. Any partitioning requires backing up before hand. Make sure this doesn't void any warranty and ensure you create some separate recovery disks in case this interferes with your ability to use the built-in restore option.

Is it possible to unshrink using the window commands?

ps, i already made recovery disks

Yes windows 7 disk manager should allow you to merge back that unused space to sda2. (Just don't let it convert to dynamic disks as even Wubi can't use these)

ok, thank you. So basically the only way to be able to swap between ubuntu with windows is to uninstall windows using Wubi?

there are certain things I do periodically that require use of a windows system

This is not what I am saying. Wubi doesn't uninstall windows. Installing
Wubi sets up a dual boot with Windows without requiring partitioning. You
would reboot and select either Windows or Ubuntu when the computer
starts. You can uninstall Ubuntu (from Add/Remove programs).

The alternative direct dual boot install (preferred for long term use)
requires some partitioning.

Another option is a virtual machine e.g. virtual box or vmware in which you
can install and run Ubuntu within Windows concurrently (without having to
reboot).

Jack Vultaggio is still having a problem:
> ok, thank you. So basically the only way to be able to swap between
> ubuntu with windows is to uninstall windows using Wubi?
>
>

Thank you. Is the direct dual boot used when someone is using windows a good deal? I will only have to use it once a week and then maybe the occasional place that requires windows. Can I always switch from Wubi to a direct dual boot later?

Most Ubuntu users prefer a direct install dual boot. Wubi is designed for
new users who may be unfamiliar with partitioning, creating and booting from
CD, or unable to partition (as in your case you have already used 4). Wubi
is also ideal if you just want to try Ubuntu in a realistic way (it's just a
little slower than a direct install)

If you are using Ubuntu 80% of the time, then you probably want a non-Wubi
install - but since you are just getting started Wubi is probably a good
idea.

You can migrate a wubi partition later - see the Wubi Guide for more info.

> Jack Vultaggio is still having a problem:
> Thank you. Is the direct dual boot used when someone is using windows a
> good deal? I will only have to use it once a week and then maybe the
> occasional place that requires windows. Can I always switch from Wubi
> to a direct dual boot later?
>
>

Well I guess I will go with the direct dual install... I have merged the unallocated partition back into the sda2. So in order to do the direct dual boot install, I need to delete one of the four partitions? How can that be done without deleting information that is used in them? I read that alot of the new windows machines are being shipped with all four partitions used; does that mean its impossible to create the direct dual boot without deleting part of the original files that came with the notebook?

HP is known for shipping PCs with 4 partitions used. Not everyone does this.
Yes you will have to delete one, but since you have created a system image
you should be ok to remove this partition.

Before removing anything, you can boot an Ubuntu CD in live CD mode: "Try
it" (without installing). This gives you the opportunity to make sure that
your computer is compatible. Connect the wireless, try it out etc.

Then before removing a partition, you can take an image of it (clonezilla,
or simply the "dd" command).

You might also want to consider whether you'll be replacing your bootloader
(in the drive MBR) with Grub2. Some people prefer to keep the Windows or OEM
bootloader and boot Ubuntu through a tool like "easyBCD". It's possible to
backup your MBR from the live CD as well, so you can restore it later if you
need to.

This section is more for Wubi support, so I am going to transfer you to
Ubiquity (the Ubuntu installer) and many more qualified people will be able
to support you.

Good luck.

>
> Well I guess I will go with the direct dual install... I have merged the
> unallocated partition back into the sda2. So in order to do the direct
> dual boot install, I need to delete one of the four partitions? How can
> that be done without deleting information that is used in them? I read
> that alot of the new windows machines are being shipped with all four
> partitions used; does that mean its impossible to create the direct dual
> boot without deleting part of the original files that came with the
> notebook?

Ok thank you

Wow...thank you for the heads up. I have been using Ubuntu on my desktop system for over a year now and just assumed I would not have any problems (other than an old wireless all in one printer from Lexmark that doesn't have drivers for ubuntu) with compatibility. But when I tried using it from the live disk, I noticed a had several problems including the HD sound, track pad, wireless card works but is not supported if I need updates, etc.

So I think at this point I'm going to hold off on the install. i will try and contact HP to see if they can give me a better indication of using Ubuntu on the system.

Thank you for your assistance and the heads up.

You're welcome. Unfortunately in some cases there is some effort required to
get everything working.

Here's a few things you can do...
1. search on specific brand/model... (other hardware specs e.g. wireless,
graphics card). In many cases, someone else has figured out what is needed
to run Ubuntu on the same machine and posted it. In many cases it's simply a
kernel boot option; in others it's more complex.
My favourite places to search are ubuntuforums.org and maybe
askubuntu.com(through google use site:
ubuntuforums.org <release> <spec> )
2. Sometimes a machine works fine on one release, but not another. You could
try 10.04 for instance. The search results in 1. might indicate the best
release.

Otherwise - the virtual machine route is another option. I've avoided that
in the past because my computer didn't have enough RAM, but with my new
computer it works very well.

On Thu, May 19, 2011 at 4:06 AM, Jack Vultaggio <
<email address hidden>> wrote:

> Jack Vultaggio gave more information on the question:
> Wow...thank you for the heads up. I have been using Ubuntu on my
> desktop system for over a year now and just assumed I would not have any
> problems (other than an old wireless all in one printer from Lexmark
> that doesn't have drivers for ubuntu) with compatibility. But when I
> tried using it from the live disk, I noticed a had several problems
> including the HD sound, track pad, wireless card works but is not
> supported if I need updates, etc.
>
> So I think at this point I'm going to hold off on the install. i will
> try and contact HP to see if they can give me a better indication of
> using Ubuntu on the system.
>
> Thank you for your assistance and the heads up.
>
> --
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>

ok, thank you... I tried 10.04 which is what I use on my desktop. I will try 11 and see how that goes. I spoke to HP and they told me they do not recommend it and have no updated drivers to work with linux. I would have to get a custom made business machine.... oh well.

I'll give your suggestions a try. Thanks again.