Installing Linux Without Partitioning or Reformatting

[blake589t]

Wellz, I really like Linux, but my life depends on Windows...is there a way to install Linux without destroying ANY of my files already on my computer? Also, I wanted to keep Windows on it too. So basically, is there a way to install linux without it even touching my files? Also, which distros would work with it? Oh, one more thing...I cannot buy any software over the internet, or my parents would kill me. I rellie need help because im stuck between two worlds here.

[blake589t]

Woopz, almost forgot...I'm running a Windows Vista machine, so yah...

[devils casper]

Hi and Welcome !

It very easy to install Linux without touching any file of Windows or destroying anything. Create a free space for Linux. 6-8 GB is enough. Use Vista's Partition Manager to create free space for Linux.

90% of Linux Distros are free to download. Check this thread and visit distrowatch.com too. Pick any distro from Top 10 List.
Start Linux Installation and select free space in Partition Section. Installer will do the rest itself. It will setup dual boot for you.

[blake589t]

Wellz, it keeps on telling me it needs to repartition and reformat on any distro...also i wanted windows bootloader to control the boot (only because i'm absolutely sure it works) and if something went wrong, a way to easily remove it...Ive had bad experiences with linux before, so i want windows to control it...is there a way?

[oz]

Linux has to have a partition setup and ready to install on just like Windows does. If you don't allow the installer or some other partitioning tool to create one, you can't install Linux.

[blake589t]

iz there a way to have both on one partition?...or is there a way to make a virtual hd on it to install linux on? (I dnt mean using an emulator, just a virtual hard drive)

[oz]

I've never run vmware so don't know exactly how it works but that might do what you want.

[blake589t]

i did, but it duznt take advantage of all the hardware on ur system lyk the graphics card and stuff...I want to install it without touching my windows files, so like dualbooting it. BTW, if my parents found out I bought something over the internet they would be so mad at me...=(

[oz]

The linux installer won't touch your Windows files unless you tell it to do so. It will however install GRUB or LILO (depending on the distro) to the Master Boot Record (MBR) so that when you boot, you have an option to boot into Linux or Windows.

If you have free space (not partitioned) on your drive, it will use that to set up a partition and install Linux. If you don't have any free space, an existing partition will need to be utilized or split/resized allowing some room to install Linux.

[blake589t]

Okay...but I want Windows Bootloader to control the dualboot. Also, what distros work like this?