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Software - Support => Installing Linux Lite => Topic started by: freddy888 on September 04, 2021, 11:37:23 AM

Title: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: freddy888 on September 04, 2021, 11:37:23 AM
I am trying to install Linux Lite to the free space of my 850 EVO SSD inside a Dell Latitude D830, while keeping Windows 10 for now. When i try to do this the Linux Lite installer labels the free space as "unusable". When i select the free space i am given no options other than Revert, which does nothing. Can i install Linux Lite on the free space?   

https://pixhost.to/show/24/234695034_capture.jpg (https://pixhost.to/show/24/234695034_capture.jpg)
https://pixhost.to/show/24/234695024_capture-2.jpg (https://pixhost.to/show/24/234695024_capture-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: Moltke on September 04, 2021, 01:42:35 PM
I am trying to install Linux Lite to the free space of my 850 EVO SSD inside a Dell Latitude D830, while keeping Windows 10 for now. When i try to do this the Linux Lite installer labels the free space as "unusable". When i select the free space i am given no options other than Revert, which does nothing. Can i install Linux Lite on the free space?   

https://pixhost.to/show/24/234695034_capture.jpg
https://pixhost.to/show/24/234695024_capture-2.jpg

This one https://pixhost.to/show/24/234695034_capture.jpg doesn't show up, and throws an error
(https://i.postimg.cc/F1t3VVs8/capture-LL-forum.png)
So, you might need to upload it again. What format does the "free space" have? You might need to format it first to ext4 before installing Linux Lite.
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: freddy888 on September 04, 2021, 03:28:42 PM
MiniTool Partition Wizard says it is Unallocated. I could try formatting it to ext4 in Windows but installing Linux to free space has always been the easiest way in the past.

(https://i.imgur.com/O56v7Te.jpg)
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: Moltke on September 04, 2021, 04:07:10 PM
MiniTool Partition Wizard says it is Unallocated. I could try formatting it to ext4 in Windows but installing Linux to free space has always been the easiest way in the past.

https://i.imgur.com/O56v7Te.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/O56v7Te.jpg

I think it's best if you format the partition from Linux Lite's installer.
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: freddy888 on September 04, 2021, 04:16:51 PM
That is why i am stuck, there is no option for me to do anything with the free space which the Linux Lite installer labels "unusable".
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: Moltke on September 04, 2021, 04:43:08 PM
That is why i am stuck, there is no option for me to do anything with the free space which the Linux Lite installer labels "unusable".

Ah, yeah, sorry, you did mention that in your OP. What did you select, install Linux Lite alongside windows, or something else? If the former, then partitions should be created automatically. If the latter, that's when it might be trickier. Can you elaborate on the install process? Like, you created Linux Lite live USB, plugged the stick to your machine, boot Linux Lite, and ... 
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: freddy888 on September 04, 2021, 05:14:00 PM
The first thing i did was resize the partitions in Windows using MiniTool Partition Wizard to create 25GB of free space on my SSD. I created my USB install using Rufus which seems to work fine. During the install process when i get to "Installation type" i switch from "Erase disk and install Linux" to the second option "Something else" and select continue. That is where i am stuck. I have options to change all the partitions listed, but no options to do anything with the free space. It is listed as "unusable".

(https://i.imgur.com/QcTktGC.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/O56v7Te.jpg)
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: Moltke on September 04, 2021, 05:38:22 PM
The first thing i did was resize the partitions in Windows using MiniTool Partition Wizard to create 25GB of free space on my SSD. I created my USB install using Rufus which seems to work fine. During the install process when i get to "Installation type" i switch from "Erase disk and install Linux" to the second option "Something else" and select continue. That is where i am stuck. I have options to change all the partitions listed, but no options to do anything with the free space. It is listed as "unusable".

https://i.imgur.com/QcTktGC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/O56v7Te.jpg

There should be an option like "install Linux Lite alongside windows" right above "erase disk ... " should be something similar to this
(https://www.linuxliteos.com/manual/images/install/install/install-4.png)
This option will create the partitions automatically, by shrinking windows' partition, it's been a while since I did that, but if I recall correctly, you can set the size.
You can create a new partition from within Linux Lite live environment too:
1. Click on menu and type gparted it should appear as you type.
2. Once the tool is started, select the unallocated space, right-click on it and select format from the context menu, select ext4 as the file format, and hit Ok or Apply can't remember which one it is :D anyway, the formatting process should start, wait till it's finished, and try to install again. If everything went fine, you should be able now to select the new partition, and install Linux Lite on it. 
 
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: freddy888 on September 04, 2021, 05:54:28 PM
I do not have the option "install Linux Lite alongside windows". I do get this warning message after i select Something else, then continue.

Your installation medium is on /dev/sdb1. You will not be able to create, delete or resize partitions on this disk, but you may be able to install to existing partitions there.

(https://i.imgur.com/wc9nrG5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZuACVAQ.jpg)
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: firenice03 on September 05, 2021, 01:43:37 PM
@freddy888 @Moltke


Not wanting to step on toes..
I see 4 NTFS partitions... a Disk can only have 4 primary... So this new is most likely an extended/logical partition...
Could be why..


Does Windows use all 4 of those??? Whats the PQService???
- Just ideas -- obviously C is windows and a Boot and a Sys Reserve...





Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: freddy888 on September 05, 2021, 02:24:53 PM
Thanks for the reply. On Acer computers there is a third, hidden partition called PQSERVICE. The PQSERVICE partition contains the files necessary for the Acer eRecovery to reinstall the operating system, setting the system back to the way it was the day you purchased it, create recovery media, or reinstall drivers and applications.

I did not buy this laptop new. It was originally given to me with a hybrid hard drive which i cloned and replaced with a new SSD. I guess the hybrid drive was from another computer, so i should be able to delete the recovery partition without any problems. I could replace Windows with Linux if i needed to, but i wanted to test it first to make sure Linux Lite worked on this laptop. 
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: Moltke on September 05, 2021, 08:55:25 PM
I could replace Windows with Linux if i needed to, but i wanted to test it first to make sure Linux Lite worked on this laptop.

Did you notice any issues while in live mode? Did everything work? Network? Mouse/touchpad? Keyboard? Sound? Check first while in live mode that everything works fine, that what it is for. If it does, then it should when installed too. :)
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: freddy888 on September 05, 2021, 09:15:05 PM
I have finally managed to install Linux Lite. Once i deleted the PQSERVICE partition in Windows and rebooted the installation USB i was now given the option to Install Linux alongside Windows. Linux Lite is now installed on my SSD and i am trying it now.

Many thanks to Moltke & firenice03 for all your help.

(https://i.imgur.com/aqtqrlo.jpg)
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: firenice03 on September 05, 2021, 09:33:06 PM
Glad to hear your got it sorted..
Title: Re: Installing Linux Lite on same drive as Windows
Post by: Moltke on September 05, 2021, 09:42:19 PM
I have finally managed to install Linux Lite. Once i deleted the PQSERVICE partition in Windows and rebooted the installation USB i was now given the option to Install Linux alongside Windows. Linux Lite is now installed on my SSD and i am trying it now.

Many thanks to Moltke & firenice03 for all your help.

You're welcome. Glad you solved it. We learn new things every day. :)