[SOLVED] Ubuntu Partitioning Help

[kkiddu]

Hi.

I'm a first time installer of Ubuntu. I've run it directly from CD a few times earlier, but I'm installing it from the CD for the first time. I've read some stuff about this from other sites, and have some doubts I hope you geniuses would be able to clarify.

Situation : My 80GB Primary HDD is partitioned into what I think is 1 Primary partition [10GB] and 1 extended partition [70GB] which is further divided into three logical partitions.

I don't have to worry about other data, since I've got a 320GB External HDD for that.

Now, Ubuntu says that it can squeeze the free space out of the Windows Partition. But my Windows partition is pretty full, and I don't want to re-install it on a larger partition.

I've got one logical drive [20GB] free on my Primary HDD. Can it be converted into a primary partition without affecting anything else i.e. my Windows partition and the other two logical partitions remain intact ? Or do I have to format my extended partition and subdivide into a primary and extended partition ?

Q2 - How do I adjust swap space ? Does it have to be a primary partition ? Or can it be a logical partition ? To make a logical partition swap space, do I have to reformat my entire extended partition to squeeze out free space, or can it be kept intact ?

I'm using Ubuntu Hardy Heron.

I know it's a lot to read, but I'm pretty confused right now. Thanks for helping.

[Rubberman]

Ubuntu can be installed on extended partitions alone AFAIK. So, you shouldn't have to futz with the partitioning - Ubuntu can deal with that for you. However, decline the offer to shrink your Windows partition(s). On a new, clean system that is fine, but not so on one that has been in use for some period.

[Leppie]

as Rubberman said, ubuntu works fine even when installed into logical partitions.
it's best to leave the space you want to use for ubuntu as free space (delete the existing partition before installing) and have the ubuntu partitioner do the thinking for you, just choose to use the largest contingent free space.

[kkiddu]

Thanks guys, Linux is now up and running.