This guide only covers the most common steps of the installation process. If you plan on using Windows® as well as GNU/Linux by dual-booting (meaning being able to access either system on the same computer), please note that it is easier to install Windows® before GNU/Linux. If Windows® is already set up on your system, and you have never installed GNU/Linux before, DrakX — Mandriva Linux's installation program — will have to resize your Windows® partition. This operation can be harmful to your data. Therefore, you must perform the following steps before proceeding:
Run chkdsk on your Windows® computer (called scandisk on non-NT systems, such as Windows® 9x). The resizing program can detect some obvious errors, but chkdsk is better suited for this task. Refer to the chkdsk documentation for more information on the different options it has.
For maximum data security, also run defrag on your partition if you use Windows® 9x[1]. This further reduces the risk of data loss. This isn't mandatory, but it's highly recommended. Doing so will make the resizing process much faster and easier.
The ultimate insurance against problems is to always back up your data! Of course, you should back up your data on another computer, upload your back-ups on the web, on a friend's computer, etc. Do not back it up onto the computer on which you want to install GNU/Linux.
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NTFS Partitions. Windows® 2000, NT and XP users should remain careful: even though DiskDrake (through the ntfsresize application) is able to resize NTFS partitions, it's highly recommended that you back up your data before starting the installation. Please see the Linux-NTFS site as well as these NTFS Resize FAQ for more information on the subject. |