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Linux installation query

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  • Hard Drives
Last response: in Linux/Free BSD
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January 15, 2014 9:20:10 AM

I want to install Ubuntu alongside Windows 7. But I want my personal files (software, movies) to be kept intact and not delete from the partition of my hard disk.
Is there any way that I would not change the type of file system (EXT 4 from NTFS) of that partition of the hard disk and still would get my files intact and safe when running both Linux and Windows?

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January 15, 2014 9:32:49 AM

There are two ways to install Ubuntu alongside windows:
- install Ubuntu from withing Windows. Installation procedure will make a huge file inside Windows to hold Linux installation, and you will see Ubuntu as as program in "Programs and Features". This is good way to install Ubunti just to see "how it works". Check Wubi https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wubi for details.
- shrink your Windows partition, and install Ubuntu alongside Windows, in separate disk partition.

Neither of these methods should damage your existing Windows installation.
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January 15, 2014 9:43:22 AM

I have only two partitions in my HDD, one is Windows 7 installed and the other is my personal files installed. If I do not touch the personal drive and install Ubuntu alongside Windows 7 in the Windows 7 drive:
(1) Will any of my Windows files be affected?
(2) Windows HDD file system is NTFS whereas in Ubuntu it is EXT 4. Can I change the NTFS to EXT 4 without deleting my personal files?
(3) I have 100 GB as a single partition (please ignore the Windows partition of another 50 GB). In there I have about 50 GB of personal files. Is there any way during Ubuntu installation that I keep the files intact and separate a 50 GB free space from it? I do not want to lose my personal files.
I am asking this because I want to run both operating systems in my PC.
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January 15, 2014 6:24:56 PM

@Kaushik,

Your best try is to go with Wubi. Check the link I have provided above for details. From within Ubuntu, you will be able to access your Windows files, and no partitions will be changed.
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January 15, 2014 11:16:05 PM

In a side by side install Ubuntu will look for a large empty space on your drive with no existing partition and install there. Failing to find that it will go to the partition with the most unused space and split the unused space in two using half the unused space for it's install. Only if you tell it to will it mess with your windows files or installation, it confines itself to unused space. You can also shrink a partition and select that space manually.
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