Ubuntu 11.10, 10.04, and Linux Mint refuse to install

[jvangeystel]

Sorry if it's a lot of text, I tried to be to the point and descriptive to.

The Problem: No matter how or what I do the built in partition manager that allows you to setup your partitions during installation does not work at all. It doesn't show any partitions and doesn't allow me to change anything. It shows the dba thing so I believe it is recognizing the drive. I even went so far as to try and install Linux as the only OS and it still won't budge. I can't seem to get past the root folder. It keeps saying need root folder or root folder not defined.

How do I get a correctly working partition to install linux on. I have a 1.5TB hard drive. I want about 250gb dedicated for linux. I am currently using Windows 7 and just in case...

Intel Core I3 3.785ghz (overclocked)
4gb of ram
1gb asus radeon 7660 (i think)
Seagate Barricuda LP 1.5TB 5400 rpm hard drive

I am taking the first couple classes towards a Computer Science associates. Next semester I will be taking a linux class so I want to familiarize myself. I have installed a successful boot of an old version of Ubuntu on a different pc with Vista. I am following all instructions and have searched relentlessly for two day and just can't get it to install.

If necessary for better understanding of my problem I can and will record and post a video to youtube of how I am trying to install. Also I am self taught and don't have extensive background in the technical stuff.

[rokytnji]

It keeps saying need root folder or root folder not defined.

You need to label the partition you are going to install Linux into as

/

/=root folder

http://linuxtidbits.files.wordpress....rted-label.png

and flag it as boot

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AzkbrPYPw8...flags_boot.png

Then proceed with install

[jvangeystel]

Ok I will attempt this as soon as I get home from school. I've done this before, (I think) but I will attempt it again. So I will run linux from the disc, use gparted to create a new partition and name it "/" without the quotes. What type of partition is it supposed to be? NTSC, Ext 1,2,3,4? What about the swap memory partition do I have to create a seperate partition for this. I remember that in my last install of Ubuntu I could take care of all of this during the installation. Any clue on why this isn't possible anymore? Sorry for all of the questions. I have already wrecked my Windows 7 installation once. I want to make sure I get this right this time. Thanks a lot for your help "rokytnji" and anyone else who comes along.

[redbook]

Use ext4 and I would recommend a swap partition of 2gb.

[redbook]

Or your other option would be to allocate the entire drive to windows and then tell the Ubuntu installer disc to simply install along side windows, (the installer will handle the resizing and partitioning).

[jvangeystel]

Update:
Created these partitions using gparted:
/ 30GB Ext4 Primary Partition
/boot 1GB Ext4 Primary Partition
/Home 200GB Extended Partition (Ran out of room for primary partitions)
Swap 4GB Ext4 Logical Partition
Still says: No root file system is defined. Please correct this from the partitioning menu.
Flag "/" Partition as Boot
Same results
Change /boot to extended
Swap 1gb logical under /boot
/Home changed to primary partition.
Partition menu shows /dev/sda but shows no partitions
Same results when trying to install
Going to dedicate the whole drive to windows and retry. (redbook)

[jvangeystel]

Update:
Current partitions
Unallocated 279.04 GiB
Ntfs system reserved 1.04 TiB (Windows 7)
Unallocated 48.04 (No clue why these are seperated) Having trouble adding either of these to windows 7 partition.

The option to use Ubuntu as sole OS or along side windows or other doesn't come up. Goes straight to the partition menu from
the screen that shows you should be connected to internet and have 5gb free space (still not showing any partitions or allowing me to push any buttons).
Still stumped, appreciate the suggestions.

Attempted install still says no root

[LibraOne]

I install Linux Mint a lot, and I never have to do things with / and root etc.

What you could try is in Windows7 install EASEUS Partition Master 9.1.0 Home Edition (freeware). Try to get the partitions right (it's very strange that there's one unused before and after the win7 partition). And try Linux mint again

Cheers,

LibraOne

[eionmac]

1. question? Have you destroyed the small 100MB partition at beginning of hard disc after MBR, which is vital to Windows 7 on windows "C" drive. This is normally hidden in Windows partitioner but should show up in a Linux partitioner?

[mrd833]

1st of all you need to make your Windows 7 partition smaller. You already have 3 primary partitions, [due to pre-install OS], 1 is your system backup 2nd is a hidden drive and a huge "C" drive. So you'll need to make your C drive smaller. Then create an extended partition with the rest. But 1st.... is this a 64bit computer??? I find that installing linux on a extended partition saves a lot of headaches.