Dual Boot Win 8.1/ Ubuntu

T

TheNamelessPoet

Member
So I tried out Ubuntu 14.04 and I really like it. I am having a HORRENDOUS issue getting the dual boot set up tho and need some help. I have the Ubuntu setup on my USB and it works great, the Windows I have on the DVD tht works great. I have a 1TB ED Sata and a 125GB SSD drive. I would prefer to use the SSD drive for teh dual boot, mostly just for speed (the windows 8.1 boots in about 15-20 seconds (:eek:) which is AWESOME!

Anyway my issue is what really is the right way to make them dual boot. When I install Ubuntu, it makes the Wondows not work and vice versa. I have partitioned the SSD into 2 parts 1 being in the EXT4(?) and 1 in NTFS and installed each to there respective drives. I tried trying one on each drive (both options on either drive) and no matter what they seem to override the other one.

I also tried doing each one first. At one point I got it to work (I can't remember which way) but I had an issue and had to start over for some reason.

I also am having an issue getting steam to unstall on Ubuntu as well but thats a different issue that cant be solved until the OS's work to beginwith lol. The windows 8.1 is mostly just for 1 game and anything else I find that doesnt run on Linux.
 
If you install Windows 8 first then Ubuntu it should pick up the other boot loader provided that you don't delete any of the partitions used by Windows 8.1. If Ubuntu is unable to find the Windows boot manager automatically, run sudo update-grub. It will scan the drives for other boot loaders to list in the grub menu.
 
salvage-this said:
If you install Windows 8 first then Ubuntu it should pick up the other boot loader provided that you don't delete any of the partitions used by Windows 8.1. If Ubuntu is unable to find the Windows boot manager automatically, run sudo update-grub. It will scan the drives for other boot loaders to list in the grub menu.
Click to expand...

OK, this weekend I am going to format both drives and start from scratch. So it sounds like I should install Windows FIRST correct? Would you recommend using 1 drive for windows and 1 for Linux? I guess I can use the 1TB for Windows tho it makes me sad since I will mostly be using Linux. Maybe partition the 1TB I can split in half? I really want to take advantage of the SSD as much as possible and I will be using Ubuntu (as long as I can get steam and Minecraft to work coprectly) the majority of the time.

Does that sould like the best option? I dont want Windows to get the wtole 1 TB because I want to add my music and such. Come to think of it... does iTunes work with Ubuntu?
 
You can do it either way. keeping them separate is the easiest but I know how to do both. I don't have the time to be detailed now, but I will edit this reply with a better answer tonight.

iTunes- no not really. Stick to Rhythmbox or one of the other Linux native alternatives.
 
TheNamelessPoet said:
Thanks Salvage :-) will Rhythmbox work with my iPod? TBH I HATE itunes anyway lol
Click to expand...

maybe? support is a bit spotty for iPods. I think the last one that I got working was a 3rd gen iPod classic.

So dual boot stuff...

two drive method.

Install Windows on a single drive with all other drives removed. Once that install is finished, disconnect the Windows drive and connect the drive that you want to install Linux on. Boot and install Linux on that drive. Connect both drives and set the Linux drive as primary in the BIOS. Boot Linux and run the command sudo update-grub to find the Windows boot files on the other drive.

the benefit of this method is you get to keep both bootloaders intact. If the linux system loses its ability to hit grub you can still set the Windows drive as primary and boot to Windows directly.

one drive with two OSs

Boot the Windows install DVD and partition half (or whatever you want over 30gb. I did 70gb) of the SSD. Install Windows to that partition. In Windows, partition half (or again whatever you want/need for Windows storage) on the 1tb drive. After that you will have a C: (SSD) and a D: (HDD) for storage.

Boot the Linux live CD and enter into the advanced partition menu of the installer.

You will need 3 partitions

First two are on the SSD, last one is on the HDD

1. Swap - you probably won't need a ton with 12gb of RAM. 2gb/4gb should be fine

2. / - I would shoot for 15gb no less than 8gb, no need to go over 20gb that I see.

3. /Home - use the second half of the HDD as your home partition. Take all of the space that is left.

Install Linux, Boot and update grub.

Benefits- Both Windows and Linux will have a SSD based boot.

Since Windows 8.1 uses the hybrid boot you may need to shut it down fully for you to access the Windows drive from Linux. shutdown /r /t 0 (restart) or shutdown /p /t 0 (shutdown and power off)

Here are a few pictures on the partition process in the Linux install.



http://askubuntu.com/questions/343268/how-to-use-manual-partitioning-during-installation
 
Thanks a TON!!! I think for ease of use, I am going to just do the 2 drive method. I have an old HD in my old PC that I may add for additional space for Linux at some point if needed. Since I am going to do the dual boot I will just leave the iTunes on the Windows side for now. might as well use it for something lol
 
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