Problems with Installing a Dual-Boot System - HELP!

[SPatin]

So, my GParted (Ubuntu) won't create an NTFS partition (the option is greyed out). I'm trying to create an NTFS partition to allow for a Windows 7/Ubuntu dual-boot. Everywhere I check, they suggest either creating the NTFS partition in GParted BEFORE installing Windows OR leaving it "unallocated" with the Linux partition after it.

I have tried both now, with two results:

1) GParted can't create an NTFS partition within Ubuntu 9.10.

2) On the other hand, the Windows 7 Installer says that Windows can not create a partition or find a partition when I attempt to select the "unallocated" portion.


What might be the problem OR fix?

[rokytnji]

1) GParted can't create an NTFS partition within Ubuntu 9.10.

Probably because you are running installed Ubuntu Gparted and Gparted can't format a mounted running drive.

Boot up the live cd and of Ubuntu 9.10. Do your formatting with Gparted while running Live CD.

Edit: if you have no access to your Ubuntu 9.10 Cd. Download and burn a Parted Magic Live CD and burn with braserio as a iso image to cd and format drive with it.

[devils casper]

Boot up from Ubuntu LiveCD and try to create partitions again. Partitions should not mounted.
If it doesn't partition, open Terminal and execute this

sudo fdisk -l

Post output here.

* Its small L in fdisk -l.