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I searched for a similar problem, but could not find it. Sorry if this is a duplicate question.

I have an HP Touchsmart TM2 with 4GB of memory and Windows 10 installed. I created a LiveUSB with unetbootin and Ubuntu 15.04.

Following some instruction to dual boot, I get stuck in the install process when it comes to create the root drive. The disk space shows as "unavailable".

I was able to shrink my C: Drive and create the free space. It shows up as Unallocated in the Windows disk management tool (see pic).

Windows Disk Management image

I then reboot into Ubuntu. From the desktop, I select the Install: 1. Connect to Wifi 2. On prepare to Install I do not check either box (download updates, install third party software). 3. On type of install I select something else.

The volumes show up but the free space shows as "unavailable". I select that space, but I cannot hit the "+" button to get to the next step.
Install Type Window

I quit the install at this point.

I then went back to windows and tried to create a simple partition of 120GB with NO disk drive letter. I hit OK and get a message asking to convert the entire drive to a "dynamic drive". Not sure I wanted to do that, so quick that. Here is the error/information message.

"The Operation you selected will convert the selected to basic disk(s) to dynamic disk(s). If you convert the disk(s) to dynamic, you will not be able to state installed operating systems from any volume on the disk(s) (except the current boot volume). Are you sure you want to continue?" YES/NO

Thanks in advance.

Anwar
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SteveE
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2 Answers2

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Your problem is, that your drive contains four primary partitions already and the MBR can not hold more than four primary partitions.

You would have to convert one of the partitions to a logical partition. This will automatically create an extended partition which holds the logical partition. Then you increase the size of the extended partition and can create more logical partitions in the extended partition up to your needs.

Don't convert the windows-system-partition C: to logical, take the Recovery-partition D:.

You can create the logical partitions for Ubuntu during install. You have to install in legacy-mode. To do that make sure that you boot the installer in legacy-mode, how you boot is how you install.

mook765
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Recover the unusable space

You have will have to remove one of the partitions and create an extended partition for your Ubuntu installation.

Backup one of the Windows Recover Environment (loader) partitions, then delete it. Then create an extended partition. After you have created an extended partition, you can use that space to create any number of partitions. Make two for your Ubuntu installation. One big one as type ext4 and one small one as type swap. Make the swap partition about 1 1/2 times the size of the amount of ram you have.

Easy Ubuntu Install Procedure

Create a supported LiveUSB. At present version 16.04 has the best support for the later computers shipped with Windows 10 preinstalled.

Ensure that you are in the UEFI mode. Boot to your LiveUSB. You should get a black screen with a menu selection. Use the option to Try Ubuntu without installing. The use gparted (Gnome Partition Editor) to create an ext4 partition for your root/ install. Create this from the unallocated space you have already created.

Now exit Gparted and run the Install Ubuntu application from the Icon on the desktop.

Note: Since your Windows 10 is in Legacy mode on an MBR drive, the install will default to Legacy. The steps for installing to the boot media will always insure you'll have the highest compatibility for your installs. Some later computers actually have problems booting to the Legacy option of the Ubuntu installer. To avoid those problems, use the UEFI option for booting. From that session, the Legacy mode, which you currently have will install seamlessly.

L. D. James
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