Install Ubuntu Netbook 10.10 without CD/USB/WUBI from HDD on WinXP

Question

I have downloded the Ubuntu Netbook 10.10 ISO file. When I mount it on a Virtual drive it gives me the option to install it via CD(restart and boot from disc) or use the WUBI installer. The WUBI installer warns about poor disc performance. There is a way to convert the WUBI installed Ubuntu into a dedicated partition Ubuntu installation via LVPM. The Official Guide links to a how-to for 7.04/7.10/8.10, whereas the forum says

LVPM currently does not work with installs generated by Wubi 10.04 (patches welcome).

So the status about 10.10 is unknown. Plus even if LVPM does work, it has the problem of wiping the partition on which it is going to be installed.

Is there a way to install Ubuntu without using a USB/CD? yes -> WUBI

Is there a way to install a normal Ubuntu installation using WUBI? yes -> LVPM

But LVPM needs a clean partition.

Can I install Ubuntu into an existing logical partition without having to lose or move my files in advance to another partition with or without the WUBI method?

(My Netbook: Primary Partition(40GB): WinXP Home(Free Space 3GB) Logical Partition(100GB): Data(Free Space ~10GB) )

I have seen some programs like Norton Ghost, Partition Magic etc. boot into a different environment to format or restore hdds from WinXP(after restarting). Can't a installer do something similar and boot into a Ubuntu installer environment?

I have been through this Is it possible to install without a CD or USB drive?

(I had asked this question on https://superuser.com/questions/215661/install-ubuntu-netbook-10-10-without-cd-usb-wubi-from-hdd-on-winxp but since this looks like a better place I am posting it here.)

Answer 1

It is not currently possible to migrate a Wubi installation to a dedicated partition.

In order to do a full installation of Ubuntu that isn't reliant on your Windows partition to operate, you will need to use a CD, USB disk, or PXE boot from another computer containing the live media.

We are working on fixing this, but it is a longer-term goal of Wubi and will likely not make the 10.10 release.

Answer 2

If you're not obsessed by LVPM I can suggest you a different solution :)

Do you know about http://www.netboot.me/ ? You should.

It is a site that host a service to do Network Boot and Installation of the most famous GNU/Linux distribution.

According to http://www.netboot.me/gettingstarted this instruction you can use it in the mode you prefer.

Also if the distribution you're looking for isn't supported yet you can add yourself. Quoting from the site:

My favorite tool or distro isn't supported!

It can be! You can create your own configuration (a Google account is required for login). If you think the config will be of general interest, file a bug to have it included in the boot menu.

So, in your case I would use the Booting using tftp.netboot.me as long as you have access to the internet ( by an ethernet cable would be best, but also your wifi card may be supported :D )

Answer 3

I think you messed up the whole computer, you should DO a CLEAR INSTALL!! See this: Installation without a CD, and I can say this: Network installion. These methods are very hard for beginners, but if you can read, you can do everything, what you want... :)