This is my second 12.1 install, the first being a dual boot on a system with Windows XP already installed - that went smooth with no problems. I have been using Linux for several years, but am no expert (certainly not on the install) and use the gui as much as possible (always).
The partitioning seems to have failed on my install on a second system. My second system is a mini ATX Zotac system with Intel Atom dual processor and 90GB hard drive - Windows 7 is installed already. Most of this is from memory, since the install went fine until it failed. The install went fine until it stalled and failed on what was the first step of the partition process, something like ‘preparing the disc for partition’. When, in the previous page or two, it suggested a partition scheme, the main things I remember on the screen was that the top recommendation of ‘reducing the Windows 7 partition’ was in red, and the ‘create a home partition’ button was set - I clicked… The expected boot menu did include a windows 1 and a window2 (not sure why 2 windows boot options…), as well as the 12.1 and 12.1 failsafe. The error messages said something like cannot create partition b, the cannot create partition c - at that time I aborted. When I removed the disc and rebooted the computer, windows did start, and then went about reclaiming the bits of the disc that had been formated / partitioned. The disc ended up with 67 gb of 90.8 gb free.
I realize this is a bit sketchy on details, but the only way to get more is to install again. Maybe there is an obvious error or partition mistake??? Not sure if there is a special approach for Windows 7.
Red usually means STOP. At least check the problem. Hard to guess what went wrong with the current info. If Windows boots and is other wise ok you might trya agin since you now have free space. A tip: it is best to use Windows to free space and then just install to the free space.
Thanks - I had been pondering whether I should have changed the red field…
In any case, I will try again and try and use free space in Windows first. Any suggestion on how to split the HD space between Windows and Linux (~90 gb total I think)? I expect to use the Linux primarily, with the Windows only to run some car repair DVDs that only run on Windows…
This is pretty much a new Windows 7 install - basically inherited the system from someone that didn’t use it, probably been booted maybe 10 times total. Is free space mainly a defrag tool or to split the disk?? I will be googling and reading up on it…
Up to you. openSUSE by default uses 3 partitions swap/root/home Swap at most 2X RAM up to about 4gig RAM, root 20-30 gig is plenty depends on how many programs you intend to install programs system config and temp files here. Home is where you personal files go and should be a big as you expect to need. The installer does a good job of dividing things up but you can change the defaults if you need or want. Be sure to read the screens and understand things before you accept. Any questions ask here.
a mini ATX Zotac system with Intel Atom dual processor and 90GB hard drive - Windows 7 is installed already
Only a 90GB HD and windows 7 is installed
Is probably not worth trying to install Linux unless you are prepared to wipe the HD.
As a guide, only shrink windows by half of the available free space. So if there was 50GB unused by windows, shrink windows by 25GB to gain 25 GB free space. That still leaves windows 25 GB to play with.
Always (backup, if you need it) and defrag windows First, before doing any of this.