I am trying to install Ubuntu 13 on my laptop, which came with Windows 8. It also came with an empty partition, along with the three that windows 8 uses. I want to install Ubuntu on that partition. I booted a Live USB pretty easily, but on the install screen, it asked where to install the bootloader. I am fine with using grub instead of the windows bootloader, but I want to be able to revert anything in case I screw up. If I install grub to the hard drive, does it delete the windows bootloader, or does it just point to grub? I would also like to know if I can install Ubuntu and not Grub. My only experience is when I installed, but did not dual-boot, my desktop with Linux Mint 14.
This is my first question, so please feel free to ask for information I have left out.
Thank You in advance for your help.
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BillThePlatypus
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If you do a default grub install, as far as I know it will overwrite the default MBR (master boot record) on that drive. There are other alternatives, and there is a way to restore the windows bootloader in the MBR but remember, if you install os-prober you will still have windows 8 in that list of options to boot to. Even if you removed ubuntu you could use GRUB to boot to windows.
Kind of a funny things to think about but it works. Plus you'll like Ubuntu better anyway so why would you want to remove it?
MrAureliusR
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