Ubuntu
ubiquity package

can i install ubuntu on dual hard disk drives ?

Asked by mike mather

I have 2 hard drives on my computer. I have Windows XP on my C drive. Can I install Linux on my D drive and run two operating systems

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actionparsnip
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Best actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

You can make the non-windows drive hold Linux partitions and make a dual boot. You will destroy the data on the current NTFS (What Windows incorrectly names a drive).

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Cyprian Guerra (cyprian-guerra) said : 		#2

Yes, of course you can, just remember the installer will try to use the whole drive (erase both partitions) by default and you have to instruct it to use specific partition manually. The easiest way to do what you want would be to let the installer delete partition D (or sda2) and create the default file system structure automatically (it means you'll lose data from partition D).

If you don't have enough unallocated space on your drive (like in scenario where you only have a C windows partition) it is usually possible to split the drive during the installation process but it's (not much but still) risky.

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delance (olivier-delance) said : 		#3

Best solution is to erase NTFS D: partition with Windows.
The switch both disks (physically or via BIOS).
Then boot Ubuntu media and choose "Install free space".

If you don't switch disks, the Ubuntu MBR will be written on first (Windows) disk.
If you switch, Windows disk will be untouched.
Don't hesitate to get more advices.

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mike mather (mike-t-mather) said : 		#4

Thanks actionparsnip, that solved my question.