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I have Windows XP with a 120 G partition on a 500 G hard drive. If I download Ubuntu, does it have to reside in the original 120 G section?

Asked by Mike Furlan

I have Windows XP with a 120 G partition on a 500 G hard drive. If I download Ubuntu, does it have to reside in the original 120 G section?

I'm trying to use the currently wasted 380 G on the HD.

Any suggestions?

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

It will use the 380Gb space if you simply unpartition it, the installer will use the free space and setup a dual boot. If the 380Gb is currently partitioned then you will LOSE any data you have on it and I suggest you delete the partition in Windows so that the drive layout is ready for repartitioning :)

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Sam_ (and-sam) said : 		#2

You can leave XP on it's 120 gb partition and install Ubuntu alongside aka dualboot.
Linux uses extended partition, a container for logical volumes, Ubuntu doesn't necessarily need to be on one of the usual four primary partitions.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowtoPartition/PartitioningBasics
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/DrivesAndPartitions
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation

Ubuntu uses Grub as bootloader.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Grub2

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marcus aurelius (adbiz) said : 		#3

to answer your question, no, you don't have to "install" on the 120 gig partition. you can install it anywhere you want, as indicated by sam and actionparsnip. just make sure when you're install ubuntu to NOT choose replace/overwrite existing operating system.

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Mike Furlan (kalfur) said : 		#4

Thanks to all!