[1centwiz]

NuB at Linux so please forgive brain fart questions...

First computer: Dell Inspirion 4700 DeskTop - Partioned 250GB HD(see below), loaded Unbuntu, gives dual boot option, but Unbuntu won't boot and sticks on brown welcome screen with Load error 9.04 - OEM Installer Failed - traceback states: file"/usr/sbin/config-dm" line 136 in Module sys.exit (dm.run(*sys.argu[3:])) & File line 66 in run raise XStarupError, :XServerfailedtoStart". So I uninstalled Unbuntu, re-installed WinXP from recovery as somewhere I must have messed up the install and erased the Dell Recovery that was in the first partition 49MB as Fat 16, and the Fat 32 Windows partition as well. I think I missed the part about manual installation when installing Unbuntu...oops!

In Windows disc Management, I've re-set all the Partions as NTFS with XP @30GB, Open 20GB(for Unbuntu), Open 190GB(for storage), and fat16 for Dell recovery at the end of the HD. I've made sure to do clean-up and defrag as well after reloading from Acronis Migrate Easy total Back-up. However, I still get the same errors after loading Unbuntu manually and have uninstalled it again.

So now, before I try again to load Unbuntu - how, what and where?

Second computer: I want to install Unbuntu as well onto my Gateway MX6426 laptop as duel boot, but since I got a new HD and the recovery CD for clean install does not include the Gateway Recovery program originally installed, I'm missing some things from WinXP MCE 2005. Like the drivers, had to find them via another forum, (have rar file if anyone else needs them as Gateway downloads aren't specific and don't include SMBus Controller) and I'm missing the option of creating a boot recovery CD as well. I can't use Acronis again, because my 10 trial is over and I'm broke after buying it for the desktop and buying the new HD. With that said and spending the last two days re-loading, I'd like to make sure I'm not going to mess it up. The old hard drive got infected (I loaned out my laptop to family when they came to visit) and when attaching it via USB I am not able to access any of the system files. It also won't boot either and just gives a repeating F11 command and counts to 5. So I'm at a loss as to how to, or if I want to, move the files over to the new hard drive.

I've printed out the info from Unbuntu 8.04 LTS Partitioning your disks. The title states it's for Single Boot - Unbuntu only, this is where I probably went wrong to begin with, although it does have the info on how to dual boot Windows and Unbuntu on it. I'm brain dead at this point and need some help as I've read and re-read this info from the Official Unbuntu Documentation but am chicken to try it again without someone's help. My brother is a Linux Guru, self stated, but he's not familiar with Windows since he's never used it. Lucky him... should have listened to him years ago and many dollars ago... so please guys, I need some coaching here. I've got to get back to my clients websites and my classes online for Dreamweaver and Flash. Thanks!

[lawson_jl]

The absolute best thing for a Linux noob is WUBI. From the Wubi site: "You keep Windows as it is, Wubi only adds an extra option to boot into Ubuntu. Wubi does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application."

It's a good safe way to try linux. The worst it can do to your system is leave that extra entry in the boot menu which is easily deleted.

[1centwiz]

Thanks for his info. However, my goal is to switch over by the end of the year to all Opensource programs and Linux.

Not withstanding, I'm really interested in getting Unbuntu to load as dual boot so that I only have to use MS products where necessary. I read that to dual boot Unbuntu it would be better to load MS first. That's what I did, now what?

I really want to use Linux as my general OS for internet games, emailing, etc. since I've already spent so much time trying to "fix" MS after getting infected. A dual boot would be preferrable, but if I have to wipe my old HD anyway, could I just install Ubuntu onto that and put it back into my LPT? Would I be able to still use the MS programs off of a secondary HD loaded with windows attached via USB?

Thanks for the quick reply...

[lawson_jl]

In that case yes you need to install Windows first. THis is because the Windows boot loader won't "see" the linux so to speak. I'm sure this on purpose.

I now have an extra PC and I was thinking about using it for Ubuntu. I'll never fully get away from Windows nor do I think I need to with Windows 7. But I want to play games.

[Hughv]

I've never had a problem dual-booting windows and Linux. by just following the Linux prompts (Windows already installed).
Don't over-think this. Just let the Linux installer lead you through it.
You might consider using 9.04.
No to using Windows off a USB drive.

[Elvandil]

It makes no difference if you try to save the recovery and EISA partitions since installing Ubuntu will destroy the proprietary Gateway MBR and those partitions will no longer be able to do a recovery, anyway.

So you may as well install Ubuntu normally and forget about saving them since they will be useless.

[1centwiz]

Hey guys, well the install went well on the desktop. I used an ISO 9.04 copy burned to CD and yes, I followed the prompts and did not over think it until I was faced with the partition thing again. I don't do math very well when in comes to converting GB into MB's, but I think I got it figured out. I had already re-sized the windows partition through windows management and put 54730MB=60GB in the beginning of the HD for Ubuntu. That's where I put the swap 8192MB, the root 8192MB and the rest for /home as logical Ext3 drives. However, after doing this there is a 4287MB unused space following these that seperates it from the windows ntfs files. And I made sure to set the windows partition as a mount point, but I guess my math was off... if 1024MB=1GB, then 4096MB=4GB, then 8192MB=8GB?

Ubuntu booted up fine no hang-ups or errors this time. But I can't get my wireless NETGEAR usb stick to work. It won't even light up in the USB port although my usb mouse works in the USB port, so it's getting power. Ubuntu also hung while trying to set-up the network. ctrl+alt+del or esc didn't seem to work to get it to close on it's own, so had to push the front panel pwr btn to shut down. Restarted it and decided to check out the games... pretty cool, but it hung again while playing the connect 5. Shut it down again via the front pwr btn. ????

Is this normal? How do I get it to re-set or un-hang instead of using the front power button? Also, how do I check the HD partitions to see what Ubuntu has done with it?

Also, went to WUBI and downloaded the 1.46MB file from Conanical, Ltd. for install which only took about 5 miuntes. However, once I clicked on it and 6 hours later, it finished installing onto the laptop. Rebooted as directed and winXP came up, no option to dual boot. I restarted again to see if I missed it the first time, still no Ubuntu boot option at start-up. I found the WUBI files on the C drive, but have no clue as to what to do next... Pretty frustrating really as I followed all the directions and had to laugh at the comment on the Linux WUBI page that says, click the download and go for a cup of coffee and when you get back, Ubuntu will be installed and ready to go... some BIG cup of coffee!

I am on DSL with 386 download and checked the speed just the other day which averages around 286-381. It's not dial up but feels like it sometimes. Should it have taken that long or is it just me?

[1centwiz]

Oh almost forgot... the first time I tried to install Ubuntu onto the Dell, I used the Ubuntu for Dell... this time I used the generic one.

[RootbeaR]

Doesn't sound right.

Takes me ten minutes to install.

I also still have my recovery partition for XP.

Compaq PC using PCLinuxOS. Maybe only Ubuntu destroys recovery partition or maybe it happens on dells.

Kubuntu
Xubuntu
Fedora 7,8,9,10
DreamLinux
VectorLinux
TinyMe
Puppy
Mepis

Few others I can't think of right now, none have destroyed my recovery partition.

[1centwiz]

@rootbeaR - would you suggest then that I delete the Wubi files on the laptop and uninstall the Ubuntu from the Dell and try it again?

Since I do some small town website design, which version would you recommend that will offer me more options for work and play then?

Ubuntu was suggested because it was supposed to be the easiest learning curve from MS. But I found it really easy to navigate and don't mind something a bit more complecated. Please keep in mind that I am not going to be a programming wiz, but more options don't scare me.

Thanks guys for your Linux dual boot insight and assistance.

[redoak]

Please excuse my interloping.

I am on dial-up- not by choice! WUBI dwnld is 30 hrs for me! Can I download it to a CD using a friend's broadband and then install on my laptop?

{redoak}

[RootbeaR]

Originally Posted by 1centwiz

@rootbeaR - would you suggest then that I delete the Wubi files on the laptop and uninstall the Ubuntu from the Dell and try it again?

I would go to Ubuntu forums and look up your computer models to see if there are problems with them.

If good to go, I would start fresh again.

Any problems, post in Linux forum here.

I am no Linux guru. Was just pointing out that I have installed numerous distros and have never had my recovery partition wiped.

They also install very quickly.

If you give PCLinuxOS an empty partition, or tell it to overwrite one, it will automatically create the three preferred partitions and allocate space to each according to overall size of partition.

[1centwiz]

Thanks guys for all your help.

I don't know how to get this thread posted into the Linux forum, but would greatly appreciate it.

I did look at all the posts there and nothing seemed to apply directly to my situation.

However, I'm not one to give up.

FYI - If you have a windows OS DO NOT USE REGISTRY BOOSTER BY UNIBLUE. It's suggested by MS and shows up as a Gold Partner in advertising. You would think it was safe, but NO....

After months of computer errors that began after installing this program, my registry ended up so corrupt that a clean install was necessary so that I could get back to work using my MS web design programs.

Hence one of the main reasons to go Linux. Please feel free to spread the word about this malware disguised as software as I have log files and more to prove it was this software that did the damage. It's a good thing that I run ERUNT at start-up. Check it out if you run MS OS as it's an older independant program that does a complete registry back-up automatically each day when starting your OS from shutdown. You also have the manual option to make copies before and after installing new programs.

So off to Linux to read more on the versions, thanks rootbeaR for your suggestions. Now I'm really curious about Wine version as it works with some of MS programs? Hmmm....

Cheers, Tamra

[RootbeaR]

Originally Posted by 1centwiz

I don't know how to get this thread posted into the Linux forum, but would greatly appreciate it.

If you wish to move this thread there you can click on "report" below post and request a moderator to move it for you.

My recovery discs/partition not only re-install OS, but also re-install the recovery partition. Not sure if yours works that way or not.

Re-install XP. Let it wipe/destroy existing partitions if it wants to.

Defrag.

Ubuntu LiveCD should have g-parted on it. If re-installing XP wiped other partitions, use g-parted to shrink.

From there, to keep it simple, I would install PCLinuxOS on the unallocated portion of disc as it will create root, swap and home partitions for you automatically. PCLinuxOS is supposed to be very good with wireless to boot.

From there it is easy to try any other distro you choose. Just make sure you know what is on each partition and the size of each as they aren't always identified the same way.

To keep it easy for a simpleton like me to follow, work on one PC at a time. I am not sure, but I think you put wubi on a partition that was very limited in size for both OSs' to occupy.

[RootbeaR]

"Communtu wants to give new installers and Windows converts an easier time with Ubuntu. They will present a webpage with a list of suggested programs to install as a metapackage, including multimedia and proprietary software, and then install it."
http://www.linux-magazine.com/Online...u-Installation