Installing a Dual-Boot with Windows and Ubuntu

Notes
Starting the Install
Dealing with Partitioning
Finishing the Actual Installation

Notes

This page is about installing Ubuntu but has a focus on setting up a dual-boot between Ubuntu and Windows. Before setting up a dual-boot, it's highly advised you

Back up everything that's important to you. You don't want to be 99.99% sure that your data will remain intact. You want to be 100% sure.

Defragment Windows

Read about partition planning
Use the Desktop CD as a live CD (without installing) for at least two weeks

There are also other tutorials out there. This one assumes you are using the Desktop CD. If you are using the Alternate CD, you'd be better off with this tutorial instead. While both tutorials have screenshots, if you still feel lost, you may want to check out some of the online videos about setting up dual-boots.

Note: If you're using Ubuntu 6.10 (Edgy Eft) or Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper Drake), use this tutorial instead. I also created a very similar-to-the-one-you're-currently-viewing tutorial on Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn). Truthfully, the installer has had mainly cosmetic changes from Ubuntu 6.06 to Ubuntu 8.04—the same principles remain.

Starting the Installation

Now that you've obtained the Desktop CD (either through a purchase, ShipIt, or downloading and burning), you'll need to reboot your computer to use Ubuntu.

Your computer's BIOS must be set to boot from CD first; otherwise, Windows will just load up again. To get into the BIOS settings, you usually have to press one of these keys during boot-up: Escape, F1, F2, F12, or Delete. Usually your computer will tell you which key to use.

Once your BIOS is configured to boot from CD first, if you have Ubuntu in the drive, you should see this screen. Select your language.

Then, select Install Ubuntu.

After that, you should see a progress bar as the CD prepares to launch the installer.

Answer the questions as best you can. Most of them should be self-explanatory.

Dealing with Partitioning

After you answer the easy questions, a partitioner will come up, and you'll be presented with four options.

This first option (Guided resize and use freed space) is ideal for users who want to set up a dual-boot (where you can choose whether you want to use Windows or Ubuntu each time you boot up your computer) but know very little about setting one up. You can just drag the division between Windows and Ubuntu to make the Windows installation as small or large as you want, and Ubuntu will fill up the rest of the space.

The second option (Guided - use entire disk) will erase Windows completely and install Ubuntu over it.

The third option (Guided - use the largest continuous free space) will make Windows as small as possible and install Ubuntu in the remaining empty space.

The fourth option (Manual) allows you to manually configure the partitions as you see fit. This is for intermediate to advanced users.

Read the warning and make sure you understand it. Then, click Continue to confirm the changes.