Member Avatar for Abdel_eid

hey guys just want to install open suse with windows 7 but i have a problem which i have only one hard disk with one primary partition running windows so i want to know how to make another primary partition to boot open suse from .. so how to make that using open source program e.g: gparted
thanks

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by abhi.navale

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Short practical clarification: creating a new primary partition is usually unnecessary to install openSUSE alongside Windows 7. On MBR disks the four-primary limit exists, but an extended partition with logical partitions will host Linux just fine and the openSUSE installer can use those. Building on 's point about the installer offering partitioning and on 's discovery, the safest approach is to shrink Windows from Windows itself, then let the installer or GParted create the Linux partitions in the freed space. Always keep a verified backup before changing partitions.

Recommended safe workflow:

  • In Windows 7 run an elevated chkdsk /f and disable hibernation (if used) with powercfg -h off.
  • Use Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc) to shrink the NTFS partition; Windows tools are less likely to corrupt NTFS metadata than third-party resizers.
  • Boot a Linux live medium (openSUSE installer or GParted live) and inspect the layout:
sudo fdisk -l /dev/sda
lsblk -f
sudo parted /dev/sda print

Partitioning notes and troubleshooting:

  • GParted will refuse to resize an NTFS partition flagged as "dirty" or still mounted. Running chkdsk and fully shutting down clears that.
  • If a primary partition is really required, GParted/fdisk can create one, but prefer logical partitions inside an extended container to avoid hitting the 4-primary limit.
  • Typical simple layout: root (/) 20–30 GB (ext4), swap (>= RAM if hibernating; otherwise 1–4 GB), and /home for user data.

Bootloader / recovery:

  • The installer normally installs GRUB and detects Windows. If boot problems occur, Windows repair media can restore the Windows bootloader, or a live Linux chroot can reinstall GRUB. Example GRUB2 rescue sequence (distribution-specific):
# mount root (replace sdaX), bind system dirs, chroot, then reinstall
sudo mount /dev/sdaX /mnt
for i in /dev /dev/pts /proc /sys; do sudo mount --bind $i /mnt$i; done
sudo chroot /mnt
grub2-install /dev/sda
grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg
exit

Summary: backup first, shrink from Windows, run filesystem checks, then create Linux partitions (logical is fine). The installer will handle the rest in most cases.

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Member Avatar for abhi.navale

Refering to my knowledge of Ubuntu, when we try to Install new operating system then at the time of installation it gives user the option to select differnet partition scheme. At that time user can create new partition for new operating system or make space in existing partiion or edit existing partition etc.

So I suggest insert your suse cd and restart comp. and it wll prompt you for partition, at that point u create new partition.

CAUTION: ALWAYS Backup necessary data when doint things like repartition, new partition, edit partition, install new o.s. etc.

Member Avatar for Abdel_eid

do you think that will help to make a primary partition .. i think it will only help me to create just an extended partition,editing and resizing it only.so please if you know another method for doing that just tell.=)

Member Avatar for abhi.navale

do you think that will help to make a primary partition .. i think it will only help me to create just an extended partition,editing and resizing it only.so please if you know another method for doing that just tell.=)

I think u want to install suse WITHOUT removing and reinstalling windows 7.
So how can u do completely new partition formatting without erasing all data on the hard drive?

Either u have to remove that windows first and do completely new partition or
what I have told u shold work.

I think u just want to install suse by keeping windows as it is. So my suggestion should work?

If I am mistaking in understanding your question then correct me by stating clearly the situation.

Member Avatar for Abdel_eid

you are right i just need to install open suse without removing windows 7 just because i am still new to linux .
Some one told me just to put the ubuntu live cd and to use gparted to resize,edit any partition but when i try it , it fails to work on my problem.
finally by googling i found that your first solution was right since i don't need a primary partition to install suse
that is the link if you want to read it

thanks abhi navale.

Member Avatar for abhi.navale

So I hope everything is fine with you now, then mark this thread as SOLVED.

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