Dual Boot Ubuntu and Windows Vista / Do an Error Free installation of Ubuntu on Windows Vista

These days many users like to try the free and open source operating system Ubuntu. But most of them do not know how to install ubuntu on their Windows Vista operating System. So here is how you to install Windows Vista and Ubuntu together. This tutorial will teach you to resize your existing hard drive partition on which Windows Vista is installed , and make up some dual booting options.

What You need :

Latest Bootable Ubuntu installation DVD.

Here are the steps:

1. From Windows Vista Desktop, Right Click on 'My Computer' and select 'Manage'.
2. Now under 'Storage' click the 'Disk Management' option. Right click C: drive from the right pane and select the option called 'Shrink Volume'.
3. Give the size of the partition for your new Ubuntu installation needs to occupy. Make sure that at least 10 GB is free for Windows partition after giving the size of partition for your Ubuntu Installation.
4. Now you can see the volume showing the unallocated space. We are performing the ubuntu installation on this unallocated space created in Windows Vista.
5. Restart your PC now and insert the Ubuntu Installation DVD and boot from it.
6. On the first screen select your desired language and press [Enter]. Next select 'Install Ubuntu' and press [Enter]. There is also and option there to try Ubuntu without installing into your Hard Drive.
7. After you have selected 'Install Ubuntu' option and screen will appear Ubuntu installer detecting your hardware devices.
8. After that a windows will appear asking you to select the desired language for Ubuntu Installation. Select the one you need and click the 'Forward' option.
9. Next it will ask you the place you live in, the keyboard layout you use. Enter it correspondingly according to your needs.
10. The next step in Ubuntu Installation is the most important one. ie. the 'Prepare disk space' Window. If you are a not an experienced user you may proceed by selecting the first option. Ubuntu will get installed in the free space which we created earlier in Windows Vista.
11. After the partitioning process a window saying 'Who are you?' appears. There Enter your Personal (Login) Details Accordingly.
12. In the next window of Ubuntu Installation. You can migrate your Documents and Settings from Windows Vista. Check the option if you need it.
13. After this step the Ubuntu Installation will begin. After some 20 to 30 minutes the installation will be complete and click on the 'Restart now' option.
14. When you restart your computer you will be presented with a boot screen called 'GRUB' where you can select to boot into Ubuntu or Windows Vista. Select Ubuntu for now.
15. If you need to use the internet in Ubuntu right click the networking icon seen at the top right corner and select 'Edit Connections...' and enter the necessary details.

Yes you can now use both Windows Vista and Ubuntu on your Hard Disk. Now it's your time to Explore the new Options and Windows in the newly installed Ubuntu Operating System.