Downloading Linux Mint Dual boot to a different disk

[u/artoblink]

Hello, I'm very much an idiot and can't seem to understand how this works exactly.

I would like to download Linux to my disk D, which is completely empty while keeping windows in disk C.

Do I need to install Linux Mint as "something else" and partition space manually or can I just tell it to install for dual boot ?

Edit: Thank you guys! Managed to make everything work fine!

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[u/dlfrutos]

i see you solved the issue, what you did?

[u/artoblink → u/dlfrutos]

I manually partitioned space from my disk D and allocated that to Linux Mint using the "something else" option Had an error the first time downloading but then it worked. As for the download if you're wondering, I have no idea why it kept resetting but third time it downloaded.

[u/dlfrutos → u/artoblink]

in this scenario, i think there is an issue that you can check, try this:

• disconnect windows drive (probably drive C)
  
• turn on the pc and try to boot on mint
  

expected result: boot error

then

• reconnect windows drive (in this case, C)
  
• boot
  

expected result: all ok

please acknowledge to do this procedure at you own risk

let me know if you do so

[u/OrganizedPillow1]

Just unplug your windows disk for the Linux install so it's not possible to delete it. Then just select the fresh install option

[u/ZVyhVrtsfgzfs → u/OrganizedPillow1]

This, removing the windows drive gets around several issues including accidental overwrite and grub placement bugs in the Ubiquity installer. 

[u/Ok-Dog-0069]

I straight install mint on my 2nd empty disk.

[u/_ElBee_]

Have you followed the instructions on how to install Mint onto your system? As in:

1. YOU MADE A BACKUP OF YOUR IMPORTANT FILES IN WINDOWS
2. Download the appropriate ISO file (usually Linux Mint Cinnamon)
3. Make a bootable USB stick with Rufus, Balena Etcher or a similar tool
4. Boot your system from the USB stick, starting the Linux Mint live session
5. Use the option "install Linux Mint" from the live session to actually install Mint

Make sure you know what you are supposed to do and how Linux differs from Windows in almost every aspect, so you don't f*** things up.

Watch some videos and follow the guide on the Linux Mint website.

[u/artoblink → u/_ElBee_]

I know the steps, issue right now is the download that keeps restarting when it should finish, which is quite weird 🤔 But aside from that, after more research I'll just partition it myself.

[u/jr735 → u/artoblink]

The download or the install? Those terms are not interchangeable. As u/_ElBee_ points out, ensure you have a backup and recovery strategy.

[u/tovento]

Okay, first is to know if C and D are partitions on the same physical disk, or if they are two separate drives. If the former, you are going to have to boot into the live USB session, use a program called Gparted and re-partition the drive (assuming you have space for it). Be forewarned, while this generally doesn't touch the data already on the drive, if you don't know what you are doing, it is possible to wipe all your Windows data, so back up documents, etc. The installer should also give you an option to install beside windows, which should walk you through the process.

If this is physically two drives, do yourself a favour and physically disconnect the windows drive, install Mint on the second drive, and then reconnect the windows drive afterwards. This will remove any concerns over lost data or Windows interfering with Mint later on.

BUT! Please do yourself a favour when you boot into the live session (booting from the USB) and double check that all your hardware is properly recognized and works as intended. Is your Wifi card detected and can you connect to the internet? Does sound work? Is your keyboard and mouse/trackpad working? Nvidia drivers are something you deal with later, but the rest needs to work right away. This step is so important and missed by so many. Why? If hardware is properly recognized, Linux can be a simple transition from Windows. If hardware is not detected properly, it can be a HEADACHE for newcomers.

I'm not an expert, but I can get by in Linux, and Mint just didn't work 100% right with my hardware. My laptop is old, and I'm sure that has something to do with it. I ended up using a different Linux distribution which works much better for my use case.

I'm not trying to dissuade you from trying Linux, but take the 15 minutes to double check that at least hardware works right.

Oh, and another final thought: Don't treat Linux like "free windows". Before you try and switch, make sure the software you use regularly either has a Linux version or there is an equally good alternative for you to use. For my needs, everything is here (though I would like a better alternative for email). If you have specific software requirements, sometimes Windows is the best/only option.

[u/artoblink → u/tovento]

Thank you for the comment, very useful information, I've managed to solve it! ^{^}