Setup Ubuntu on a Windows system using dual HDDs.
Setup Ubuntu on a Windows system using dual HDDs.
Hi everyone, I'm setting up a pretty unique dual-boot configuration. Right now I'm using Windows 10 on Disk 1, which is a 120GB mSATA SSD, and I want to add Ubuntu on a separate 28GB partition on Disk 0—the original 280GB mechanical drive. I'm curious if adding Ubuntu to that smaller partition will impact my E: drive. I've done Linux dual-booting before, but this is my first time with two distinct drives. Thanks!
Grub could dislike you if you attempt to remove your Ubuntu setup, but that’s essentially the end of it. Verify both boot options match—either Legacy or UEFI. It seems your Windows install is using Legacy, so you won’t need any extra steps when setting up Ubuntu.
It shouldn't influence the outcome but you're planning to use the initial segment as a swap. If not, I'd likely handle all partitions within Windows to be safe. This method lets you pick the partition during installation and let it manage the rest. I should mention I haven't dual booted recently because of compatibility problems and a lack of motivation to maintain Linux (the last one got too outdated and refused updates). GRUB should install on the drive where Ubuntu is installed, otherwise Windows might complain.
On Windows, simply execute bootrec /fixboot and bootrec /fixmbr to resolve the issue.
I haven’t experienced any MBR problems with versions 7 or 10, so I don’t know what happens if it fails. Yet fixing it requires being on Windows, which is pretty funny given how the MBR blocks access to its own fixes... But honestly, I don’t have any idea. I just find it amusing, and I miss the simpler days of Windows XP boot.linux is usually easier to handle.
Hey team, I got it working without any issues. I started with the first partition as a swap, and it turns out that partition existed because it was storing a Windows 7 bootloader before I transferred it to the SSD. Since the Windows 10 setup is still legacy, I adjusted the BIOS settings to ensure all boots remain in legacy mode, avoiding any complications. Thanks for your support!