I'm planning to switch to Linux Mint and need some advice before I install it. I have two drives in my laptop: an SSD that currently holds a fresh install of Windows (C: drive) and an HDD (D: drive) where I store documents like school assignments and some apps. I initially thought about dual booting, but since my SSD was replaced during a recent repair, I'm considering just installing Linux Mint on it. Could anything on my HDD affect the installation or performance of Linux? What should I check or do before I make the switch?
5 Answers
Always back up your data! Installing Linux on the SSD should only wipe what's on that drive, not the HDD. Just ensure you know which disk is being formatted during the install process; the Linux installer will present them differently.
It's essential to back up any important files before installing Linux or making any changes. Drives can fail unexpectedly. If you disconnect the HDD during the installation, you'll eliminate any risk of affecting it. Just make sure to shut down Windows properly to ensure the D: drive is unmounted first. Avoid hibernating and disable fast startup to prevent issues.
To add on, yes, you're correct; it can be tricky with the naming in Windows. Just remember that your SSD and HDD are distinct, so follow the instructions carefully during installation. If you've clearly identified them beforehand, there shouldn't be an issue.
When you install Linux Mint, it will only affect the drive you choose to install on. So, if you only select the SSD, your HDD should remain untouched. Just be clear on which drive is which while using the installer since they won't be labeled as C: and D: anymore.
Just to clarify, C: and D: are actually partitions in Windows terminology. In Linux, drives or partitions start at "/" as the top mount point. Make sure you understand the difference, especially since you're dealing with two separate physical drives, not just partitions.
It’s also a good idea to defragment the HDD and check for filesystem errors using Windows. Linux can handle NTFS as long as it’s in good shape.