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I tried installing ubuntu using a usb in my pre-installed windows 8 machine which is lenovo z500.

If I have to install ubuntu, do I have to make a partition in my C-drive?

Is there another method in which I don't have to erase my c-drive and install ubuntu?.

I dont want to disturb C drive as the one key recovery software of lenovo doesnt work if c drive is partitioned.

**I AM A BEGINNER AND DONT KNOW MUCH OF THE TECHNICAL STUFF IN LINUX. So a detailed description is appreciated..

3 Answers 3

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In order to install Ubuntu you need at least an empty partition.
Therefore you can install Ubuntu having Linux's c: (which is called root denoted by /) inside that empty partition.

To check whether you have empty partitions from Windows 8, use the disk management utility

If you don't have one, you can resize an existing partition and make a new partition for Ubuntu from the same utility.

enter image description here

You are advised to backup your data before manipulating partitions.


Alternatively you can install Ubuntu in your usb pen drive. Simply choose the disk as your pen drive at Ubuntu installation. (It should be shown as either sdb or sdc in the Ubuntu installer) You might need to write Ubuntu to a CD as well.

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  • I have done the 2nd option..it worked. thanx!
    – user287924
    Jun 3, 2014 at 11:33
  • Glad to help...!
    – Naveen
    Jun 3, 2014 at 11:56
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First of all if you only have once drive then you will have to partition it.

The other option is using "wubi", this will install Ubuntu like a program that can be uninstalled in the "programs" in control panel. https://wiki.ubuntu.com/WubiGuide

The other option is to create a bootable Ubuntu USB drive, in this no changes are made to the system and all settings are saved to the USB drive.

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    AFAIK Wubi doesn't work with Windows 8
    – Naveen
    Jun 3, 2014 at 7:03
  • WUBI doesn't work with UEFI, which is a type of firmware that's replacing the old BIOS. Computers that ship with Windows 8 almost invariably use UEFI. AFAIK WUBI remains compatible with Windows 8 installed in BIOS mode, but since that happens mostly with upgraded computers, it's not really an issue for user287924, who's specified that the computer has a pre-installed Windows 8.
    – Rod Smith
    Jun 4, 2014 at 12:33
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Yes you can install ubuntu on a pen drive. For this boot from a CD/DVD during installation select custom install then select the partition on usb drive.
Remember as you install on low speed device you will get lower performance.

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