I'm not completely new to Linux, but I have a situation. I'm currently using an old computer that came with Windows 10 pre-installed, but I'd like to install Linux instead. The problem is, I don't have access to a thumb drive, and I really don't want to spend any more money on things while I'm in school. I tried using UNetbootin to install Linux directly on my SSD or HDD, but I ran into a "Windows boot loader failed" error. I'm planning to reset my computer to clear up some storage, as Windows takes up a massive chunk of it and I've been having trouble even downloading a few movies without running out of space. I want to format my drive into two partitions and try putting UNetbootin on the second partition. If I do that, will I be able to install Linux over the whole drive, or will the bootloader issue still pop up? Just trying to figure this out before I potentially mess things up.
1 Answer
From my experience, trying to use UNetbootin's "no USB" feature can be tricky and might mess with your Windows installation. If you're looking to wipe Windows entirely and use your drive as a sort of internal installer, there's a chance things could go sideways, and you might end up with an unbootable system. A simple flash drive for a Linux installer is pretty cheap these days, though, if you can borrow one from someone, that would be the safest route. If you go for the two-partition method, I'd recommend keeping part of your drive unallocated and using other tools rather than UNetbootin. There are ways to use your computer or phone for network booting that could be more effective, too. Just a thought!
Thanks for the warning! I'll definitely look into other options. When it comes to using a phone to install Linux, it sounds fascinating. But have you tried connecting via different apps? It can be a hassle sometimes, but it's worth exploring.