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View Full Version : Kubuntu 8.10 and NTFS

Phayzon
10-30-2008, 09:57 PM
So I've decided I want to try out Linux again, but I have one simple question, can I install Linux onto an NTFS drive?
Steve
10-30-2008, 10:01 PM
So I've decided I want to try out Linux again, but I have one simple question, can I install Linux onto an NTFS drive?

Yes.

The linux distro installer will format the drive to the appropriate ..err... format (ext3). It's piss easy to set up.
Mr.Fibbles
10-30-2008, 10:02 PM
I'm not sure but I know you should be able to partition out a few gigs from that ntfs drive. (k)ubuntu does a good job of preserving your Windows partition.
Steve
10-30-2008, 10:04 PM
(k)ubuntu does a good job of preserving your Windows partition.

It does indeed :)
Phayzon
10-30-2008, 10:05 PM
I'd like a good solid answer cause this is a terabyte drive that has a good 600GB of stuff on it that Id like not to lose in a format ;)
Steve
10-30-2008, 10:15 PM
I'd like a good solid answer cause this is a terabyte drive that has a good 600GB of stuff on it that Id like not to lose in a format ;)

We have given you a solid answer :tinyted: Partition manager in the Kubuntu install will partition it to whatever you want. Set the linux partition to use "X" amount of free space from your NTFS drive.
Phayzon
10-30-2008, 10:18 PM
Oh wow.. I clicked the reply button before Fibbles posted (but didnt get around to actually posting it) and completely missed that. I just saw your post and was a bit ehh about it. Thanks :)
Steve
10-30-2008, 10:22 PM
I just saw your post and was a bit ehh about it. Thanks :)
"ehh" as in you didn't understand? Or "ehh" as in he doesn't know what he's talking about? :p
Zero
10-31-2008, 09:40 AM
I would not recommend installing Linux on a NTFS partition, if the partition becomes flaky you have no real garentee that you can restore any damage that might have occured. I recommend ext3 or xfs, they are journeled like NTFS but unlike NTFS there very hard to fragment.
IwantMORE
10-31-2008, 10:19 AM
And if possible always back up before doing any changes to hard drive partitions or formats. Just in case....
Crosma
10-31-2008, 11:08 PM
I would not recommend installing Linux on a NTFS partitionNTFS doesn't store permissions masks or symbolic links either. It'd be a bit of a mess, if it worked at all.
tony
11-02-2008, 02:14 AM
I recomend using Wubi (http://wubi-installer.org/). It will allow you to install Ubuntu Linux on top of your Windows NTFS partition. It will create a virtual disk and run from within it. No partitioning, no changing the boot loader, etc. Disk performance is slightly slower, but most people wouldn't notice it. Its a *great* way for people to try out Linux.
NutWrench
11-02-2008, 12:13 PM
I recomend using Wubi (http://wubi-installer.org/). It will allow you to install Ubuntu Linux on top of your Windows NTFS partition. It will create a virtual disk and run from within it. No partitioning, no changing the boot loader, etc. Disk performance is slightly slower, but most people wouldn't notice it. Its a *great* way for people to try out Linux.

I recommend this too. TopologiLinux will also let you create a container file on your Windows partition. You can then use a special floppy or USB bootloader to mount it as a virtual drive. This way, you're not fiddling with the partitions or the MBR on your C: drive. Uninstalling it is as simple as deleting the container file.