Useless Directories in User Directory & Clean install dual boot Linux

MPREv · 11 Jun 2011

Hallo,
I’m going to make a clean install of windows 7 and therefor have some question …
1)
As I want to make a dual boot install with a Linux distribution I thinking about the Partitioning.
I want to make following Partitions:
Windows System [C:\ ]
Windows User Data [D:\ ]
Linux System [ / ] (maybe a separate boot partition (/boot) for kernel/grub?)
Linux User Data [/home]
Linux Swap
Media Partition / Exchange

Windows 7 also always creates this small 100MB system restore partition.
So what would be the best way to prepare these Partions . I would use GParted Live CD to create the Partition in advance, that everything is the way I like it. But I’m not sure if this works without problems for the 100 MB system restore partition (lasts time I got 2 100 MB partitions …)

My idea:
[/boot] [Win7 System Restore] [Windows 7 System] [(SWAP)(Linux System) (Windows Data) (Linux Data)(Media/Exchange)]

2)
I want to move the Users data to a separate partition and found this guides:
User Profiles - Create and Move During Windows 7 Installation[2]=User%20Accounts
User Folders - Change Default Location
(Don’t know which one I chose to do so … till now)
But I see in Windows 7 there are much more useless directories in the users home directory:

I’ve already learnd the new Library system, but I still want to use the Useres directory. But there is a great mess.
Is there a useful/possible way to prevent the directory to mess up with all the sub directories, often created by some apps, don’t really using the directory. Or are you just ignore the users’ home directory? Usually I got about 5 to 8 subdirectories in each Directory for a tidy system to find everything and have a good ordered system.

theog · 11 Jun 2011

Have a at this:
Dual Boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu

gregrocker · 11 Jun 2011

I would not unhide your folders unless you need access to hidden. Then only the needed User folders will appear under your User account name, for you to link each one you want to move following the tutorial: User Folders - Change Default Location

It is always better to place separate OS's on separate HD's if you have access to them. This way you don't need to use GRUB to boot Win7, but can boot your choice of OS's via the BIOS boot order or one-time BIOS Boot Menu key. GRUB can corrupt Win7 beyond repair when on the same HD.

Otherwise use the tutorial Theog linked above as your guide.

MPREv · 24 Jun 2011

gregrocker said:

I would not unhide your folders unless you need access to hidden. Then only the needed User folders will appear under your User account name, for you to link each one you want to move following the tutorial: User Folders - Change Default Location

I don't realy know what you are meaning, there are no unhidden folders.
(I checked: Hide System Files/Folders and Don't Display Hidden Files/Folders)
Still 20 Folders there ...
After reading I Think, the other link is better and cleaner solution for a new install,
as it will create the user folder on the right positions first time already.

gregrocker said:

It is always better to place separate OS's on separate HD's if you have access to them. This way you don't need to use GRUB to boot Win7, but can boot your choice of OS's via the BIOS boot order or one-time BIOS Boot Menu key. GRUB can corrupt Win7 beyond repair when on the same HD.

I don't have 2 HDs ... so I suggest the partitioning showen ...
Also Changing OS by changing the BIOS boot order is VERY uncomfortable!

My Goal would be to have a "Bootloader" (or something like this) installed
+ Windows 7 and a Linux Distibution
So that I can easily change the Linux (and if needed Windows) without touching the bootloader or the other OS.

gregrocker said:

GRUB can corrupt Win7 beyond repair when on the same HD.

Otherwise use the tutorial Theog linked above as your guide.

Don't know / heard that Grub can corrupt Win7.
The Linked Tutorial uses Grub ...
And doesn't really go into my Partitioning questions.

gregrocker · 24 Jun 2011

I would be uncomfortable too having to change the OS HD to boot in the BIOS Boot order every time.

WHich is why I suggested you boot the least preferred OS using the one-time BIOS Boot key. Apparently you missed that part.

We deal almost every day with GRUB corrupting Win7 beyond repair, which is why I mentioned it.

theog · 24 Jun 2011

gregrocker is right, the best way is with two HD's.

MPREv · 25 Jun 2011

theog said:

gregrocker is right, the best way is with two HD's.

I don't have 2 HDs .... If I have would I ask for this partitioning sytsem?
Its a Notebook so I unfortunately can not upgrad a second.

gregrocker said:

I would be uncomfortable too having to change the OS HD to boot in the BIOS Boot order every time.

WHich is why I suggested you boot the least preferred OS using the one-time BIOS Boot key. Apparently you missed that part.

I think its also in this case not comfortable. But more Its no alternative in my case.

gregrocker said:

We deal almost every day with GRUB corrupting Win7 beyond repair, which is why I mentioned it.

As mentioned I don't have heard that, but good to know in advanced!

Is there a posibility to use the Windows Bootmanager?

dreamer · 26 Jun 2011

Yes there is the possibility of using windows bootmanager...just while installing linux or in my case ubuntu,install the grub to the HD partition you reserved for linux.That way windows boot would be in control.

gregrocker · 26 Jun 2011

You can add Linux to Windows boot manager using EasyBCD 2.02>Add OS Entry>Linux tab:
Dual boot Ubuntu-Win7

Have a look at this too:
Dual-Boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu in Perfect Harmony - windows 7 - Lifehacker