Member Avatar for PcPro12

ok, i recently switched from vista to linux, ubuntu, and i dont know how to install it...

when i go to partition my hard drive, i partition it, than when i click forward, i get this error message..."no root file system is defined...please correct this from the paritioning menu"

now im guessing i didnt use the right partition? but which one? there are like 5-10 of them, plus a mount points, that i dont understand...

please help, i just need to install it, using it, i already catched on from the boot CD, so i know how to use it, a little...

thanks

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A short, practical explanation and checklist (builds on and )

The installer message "No root file system is defined" simply means the installer has not been told which partition should be mounted as the root (/) filesystem — without that assignment the installer has nowhere to put the system. Debian’s installer messages and Ubuntu Q&A threads describe this exact check and why the install stops. Debian installer messages (partman) and an Ask Ubuntu thread explain the symptom and cause. (people.debian.org)

What to do (concrete steps)

  • Boot the live media and choose the manual partition option (often labelled "Something else" or "Manual").
  • In the partition list select the partition you want to use, click Edit (or Change), choose a Linux filesystem, set the mount point to /, and (if you want to erase that partition) mark it to be formatted. Then continue with the install. If you prefer to prepare partitions first, use GParted from the live session to create/label/flag them before running the installer. Practical walk‑throughs demonstrate these GUI steps. Ask Ubuntu guide and a short how‑to show the exact UI flow. (askubuntu.com)

UEFI, bootloader and swap notes (modern context)

  • On UEFI systems you also need an EFI System Partition (FAT32, ~100–500 MB) mounted at /boot/efi; the installer will complain if it’s missing. See the Ubuntu UEFI notes.
  • Choose the device (the whole disk, e.g. /dev/sda or /dev/nvme0n1) for the bootloader (GRUB) — not a partition like /dev/sda1 — unless you have a specific advanced setup.
  • Recent Ubuntu installers commonly use an on‑disk swapfile by default; creating a swap partition is still fine (required if you want hibernation). See Ubuntu’s swap FAQ and related docs. (help.ubuntu.com)

Quick troubleshooting checklist

  • Confirm you set a partition with mount point / and (if intended) format it.
  • Ensure the live ISO was booted in the same mode you plan to install to (UEFI vs Legacy/BIOS). Quick checks from a live shell:
    [ -d /sys/firmware/efi ] && echo "booted in UEFI" || echo "booted in Legacy/BIOS"
swapon --show
  • If the installer still refuses, re‑create partitions with GParted, check for leftover RAID metadata (some threads show dmraid can interfere), and back up data before any destructive changes. (help.ubuntu.com)

This expands on the original answers by showing the exact installer actions and modern caveats (UEFI, bootloader device, swapfile).

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for Sturm

Though many, including myself, prefer to use multiple partitions, for a new-comer like yourself, only using 1 partition would be advisable. Since you stated that you were switching from Vista to Linux, Can I assume that you in fact, do not want Vista on your harddrive? If this is the case, your best bet would be to select the largest partition, make it bootable, and set the mount point to '/'

commented: helped me install linux +2
Member Avatar for John A

Okay, I don't know if you're trying to install Linux alongside Windows (so you can dual-boot), or whether you've completely erased Windows and are trying to create a purely Linux-based system.

In any case, I'd recommend the following setup for your Linux partitions:

  • A swap partition that will be used as temporary space. It should be anywhere between 512 megabytes and 2 gigabytes, more if you're low on RAM. Set the type[1] of this partition to swap .
  • A root partition that holds your Linux installation and all your data. It should take up the remaining disk space. Set the type of this partition to ext3 , and set the mount point to / .

[1] I think it's called type, if I remember correctly. It might also be called "use as" or "filesystem". Adjust accordingly.

You should then be allowed to continue through the installer. Eventually these new partitions will be created and formatted.

commented: helped me start up installing linux +2
Member Avatar for PcPro12

yes im completely deleted vista, its not even starting up and its pissing me off...although it works good on my dads laptop and worked good on my desktop for the past year and a few months...

thanks guys, ill give it a try now............................................be right back.......................................

WOW, im back, and i did it and it works, lol, how simple...i did use [TEX]/[/TEX] but dont know what format...anyway it works, thanks guys...

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