Windows 7 End of Life

[seaken64]

I will echo what others have already said - Installing an Operating System is not for newbies or casual computer users. I like the idea of encouraging Windows 7 users to try Linux. But I would never suggest that they attempt to set up a dual boot. The suggestion to use a different computer for Linux makes much more sense. Let's not put this on the developers to figure out how to set up a dual boot for a newbie.

What I would do is offer to set up their old Windows 7 computer with the new MX system as a second operating system. I would get their permission and do it for them. But they have to agree to the risks and have a full backup, or pay me to buy the external USB drive to back everything up before we get started. I would suggest that they first consider using a second computer for the new MX OS instead of dual booting. I guarantee they will take my advice and get the second computer. Why? because they have no idea what I am talking about! But they know I understand computers and trust me.

If you understand computers and want to try setting up a dual boot then that is fine. But it is on you, not the developers. And most of them probably know how to help you and a lot of us users also know how to do it and can help. But there is a learning process and it is not for newbies. If you are a newbie you must be willing to risk your existing Windows OS. If you are not then don't attempt it.

Seaken64

[handy]

A new Linux user can boot with MX/antiX on a USB memory stick. If they choose they can get pretty sophisticated about it too (particularly re. persistant storage).

I think that is an ideal way to get started with Linux.

[seaken64]

A new Linux user can boot with MX/antiX on a USB memory stick. If they choose they can get pretty sophisticated about it too (particularly re. persistant storage).

I think that is an ideal way to get started with Linux.

I agree. Some MX users even use the LiveUSB system exclusively and never put the system on the hard disk. But one still has to be aware. One needs to learn enough about how Linux works to avoid damaging their Windows OS.

Seaken64

[turtlebay777]

I will echo what others have already said - Installing an Operating System is not for newbies or casual computer users. I like the idea of encouraging Windows 7 users to try Linux. But I would never suggest that they attempt to set up a dual boot. The suggestion to use a different computer for Linux makes much more sense. Let's not put this on the developers to figure out how to set up a dual boot for a newbie.

What I would do is offer to set up their old Windows 7 computer with the new MX system as a second operating system. I would get their permission and do it for them. But they have to agree to the risks and have a full backup, or pay me to buy the external USB drive to back everything up before we get started. I would suggest that they first consider using a second computer for the new MX OS instead of dual booting. I guarantee they will take my advice and get the second computer. Why? because they have no idea what I am talking about! But they know I understand computers and trust me.

If you understand computers and want to try setting up a dual boot then that is fine. But it is on you, not the developers. And most of them probably know how to help you and a lot of us users also know how to do it and can help. But there is a learning process and it is not for newbies. If you are a newbie you must be willing to risk your existing Windows OS. If you are not then don't attempt it.

Seaken64

The easy way to dual boot Windows and MX is to install Linux Mint first as a dual boot with Windows. Mint prepares the hard drive and automatically shrinks it without a potential newbie having to intervene. Then insert the MX and install it using the previously created partition prepared by Mint.

Quite why this can be included with 'Buntu distros and left out with Debian based systems, is a conundrum. Perhaps an admin can comment?

[Eadwine Rose]

I think a dev is much better suited to comment on this than an admin

[turtlebay777]

I think a dev is much better suited to comment on this than an admin

Let's use the word 'expert' instead. Dev is a shorthand version meaning .... what?

[seaken64]

@turtlebay777,

I understand. Yes, I know ubuntus/mint do this. But I stay by my comment. NOT for newbies. Before you attempt this make sure you understand what can go wrong and be prepared. Have your Windows backed up and licenses ready. A second hard drive or SSD is better. A second computer is better yet.

Seaken64

[jeffreyC]

I think a dev is much better suited to comment on this than an admin

Let's use the word 'expert' instead. Dev is a shorthand version meaning .... what?

Dev is short for developer, in this case of MX Linux.
Admin is short for administrator of the forum.

So unless what you want only relates to this forum you need a developer of the distro

[AA BB]

SkOrPn » Thu Nov 28, 2019 1:58 pm
" The Windows user should be responsible for shrinking the Windows partition, NOT the Linux install. If you want dual boot space for Linux, then you boot into Windows and use Disk Manager to create that space for Linux, then you boot up the Live Linux USB and create a new Linux partition within that newly created space"

SkOrPn has the correct approach. I find using MX GParted somewhat confusing and would not use it on a disk containing Windows NFTS files.

Before shrinking your Windows drive run:
1 Window 'Disk Cleanup' to get rid of un-needed files, especially previous versions
2 Run crap Uninstaller https://www.bcuninstaller.com/ to remove Win all apps you can live without, especially those using lots of disk space
3 if you have a HDD, defrag it (or trim your SSD)
4 Finally, shrink your drive using Windows 'Disk Management' tool

You, should be able to install MX with 20GB or so of unallocated space

if you cant get >15 GB of free space, you need to: swap the disk you use to boot Windows, with a disk that has enough free space to install MX

[rapit]

I completely uninstalled windows7 and installed mx linux. Because, I don't really like windows 10 and I can't do the customizations I desire. (Love Multiboot or VirtualBox)

I've used ubuntu for years, but it's nice, but mxlinux is very lightweight and beautifully designed, but the only problem I'm having now is that some of the applications in the mxlinux package installer can't be installed. Also I am still looking for a solution for xrdp.

I'm glad for the moment it's running pretty fast and stable, time will tell.