Why can I install CachyOS on a partition but struggle with Arch?
Asked by
CuriousCat123
I created a partition for Linux through Windows' Disk Management and installed CachyOS there without issues. It even set up its own bootloader, `rEFInd`, which made switching between operating systems easy. However, after my laptop crashed during a system update, I decided to install Arch instead.
When I boot into Arch and check my partitions using `fdisk -l`, I see my partition setup, including a 128GB partition for Linux. I attempted to manage partitions with `fdisk /dev/nvme0n1p5`, but it seems like I'm trying to partition an already existing partition, which isn't allowed.
The challenge I'm facing is setting up a dual-boot configuration with Windows and Linux. I want to know why I'm having trouble now compared to when I installed CachyOS, and if I need to change anything about the bootloaders for my Arch installation.
Answers
Just FYI, it seems like your drive isn't entirely corrupted. If you face another power issue during updates, you can use a recovery USB to chroot into your system. Then clear the pacman lock and re-download any needed packages without losing your setup. A little advice: always back up regularly!
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Just a quick tip: When dual-booting, make sure you mount your EFI partition as `/boot/efi` during the Arch install and *don’t* format it; keep its contents intact. Then mount your 128GB partition as `/` and proceed from there. That should help!
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It sounds like you're trying to partition a partition, which isn’t going to work. Instead, you should be managing the entire drive. Run `fdisk /dev/nvme0n1` to correctly divide your drive among partitions. Also, switching to `gdisk` could help.
By the way, `rEFInd` is probably still active because it’s installed on your EFI partition (`/dev/nvme0n1p1`), which is separate from the Linux partitions. Don't worry, it's not broken yet!
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Remember, you can’t directly partition within a partition. If you’re looking to install Arch properly while dual-booting, it’s best to set your EFI correctly from the start. Make sure to follow installation guidelines closely to avoid this mess next time!
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LinuxLearner42: Got it, that makes total sense now! So, to clarify, CachyOS was using my EFI partition for Windows when it installed. But how might I change bootloaders now for Arch? Do I even need to worry about that?
TechieTim89: You might want to set up a bootloader for Arch afterward if you plan to go back and forth. But, for now, focus on getting your Arch install and partitioning sorted!