We've talked a lot about running multiple operating systems on the same computer -- whether it's Windows and Linux, Windows and OS X or something else -- but what happens when it's time to get rid of one? Here's how to delete Windows or Linux from your system after you've dual-booted them.
We're platform agnostic at Lifehacker, which is why we love dual- and triple-booting our computers. Unfortunately sharing data between operating systems can be a huge headache. Here's how to stay organised by keeping it all in one place.
Apple has streamlined the process of dual booting Windows on your Mac, but when it comes to Linux, Boot Camp isn't so friendly. Here's how to triple-boot your Mac with OS X, Windows 7 and the shiny new Ubuntu 10.04.
Windows: Partition Wizard does everything you'd probably need a partition tool to do, and does it on 32 and 64-bit systems. That alone puts it ahead of some other Windows-based partition tools. The bootable CD and simple controls are a nice bonus.
If you're in need of partitioning software or had been thinking about trying out Paragon Partition Manager, today is a great day to do so. The $US40 software is available for free, today only.
Windows only: Paragon Partition Manager is a feature-rich application for partitioning your hard drive, optimising your disks, creating simple partition backups, and more. It's normally $US40, but today you can snag it for free.
It's not too hard to install Ubuntu (just out with a new beta) on most computers. MacBooks, however, have a few unique quirks, especially if you want to keep OS X. FOSSwire has a thorough installation guide. Following along, you'll learn how to carve out space for Linux alongside your partition for OS X (and Windows, if you want to triple-boot), and use the rEFIt bootloader tool to create an easily-switch-able startup. You'll end up doing a little partition work, but it only requires the Ubuntu installation disc or USB drive you'd need anyways. This should work for the older line of non-unibody MacBooks, which have different hardware setups than the most current line. Found an easier way to get the orange-hued Linux distro on your sparkling white MacBook? Tell us how in the comments. How-To Install Ubuntu 8.10 on a White MacBook
Mac OS X only: Free-for-now boot CD CampTune resizes your Boot Camp partition when the size of the Windows installation on your dual-booting Mac bumps against its limits. Without a tool like CampTune, you'd need to entirely reinstall Windows if you wanted to fiddle with the partition size of your secondary OS, making this a very handy app if you've underestimated how much space you need for Windows. CampTune is currently free to use, but their web site indicates it'll cost once it leaves pre-release, so grab it while it's hot. I haven't resized my Boot Camp with this, so if you give it a try, let's hear how it worked for you in the comments. Before you do, though, you may want to back up your BC partition with previously mentioned WinClone. CampTune
Windows only: EASEUS Partition Manager is a hard drive partition utility that bills itself as a free alternative to the popular commercial product, PartitionMagic. EASEUS can resize and move partitions without losing data already on them (unlike many other partitioning tools which erase the data on the drive in order to work). EASEUS can also change partition labels, format easily, hide and un-hide partitions, preview the effect of your changes before you make them, and change cluster size. EASEUS only supports hard disks from 20-800GB (with apologies to those in the terabyte club). For more on partitioning with GParted (also free, but not as user-friendly), see our previous post on drive partitioning and imaging. EASEUS Home Edition is a free download for personal use on Windows XP and 2000 SP4 only.
Windows 2000/XP/2003 only: Free file recovery utility Partition Drive and Mount could be a real panic-reducer for anyone realizing too late that they really needed that file or folder from a just-removed partition. The app scans your hard drive and finds every hint of partitions it can, whether one disappeared during resizing or just stopped showing up. You can then mount the missing section as a drive letter and grab data from the partition, or save an image of the partition elsewhere for backup or recovery. The only restriction on this freeware is a data transfer limit of 512 Kb/s, which is pretty swift for regular home users. Partition Find and Mount is a free download for Windows XP/200x systems only.
GNOME Linux users: Want to unclutter your desktop and get rid of the icons for your Windows boot and other partitions? Ubuntu blog Tombuntu offers up the easy yet hard-to-find fix:Run gconf-editor (by hitting Alt+F2 or from terminal).Browse to apps->nautilus->desktop in the left-hand folders windowUncheck the "volumes_visible" optionNote that this will also keep thumb drives and other portable devices from showing up on your desktop, so use carefully. Hit the link for tips on how to choose the drives that do show up on your desktop, and share your own desktop tweaking tips in the comments.
Mac OS X only: Afraid of screwing up your Boot Camp partition when you upgrade to Leopard? Free application WinClone images your Windows Boot Camp partition for easy restoration to the same or another partition, just in case. The Leopard upgrade shouldn't disturb your Boot Camp setup, but a backup image is nice insurance, especially if you want to resize the partitions on your Mac's drive. WinClone can image an XP or Vista Boot Camp install. As always, back up your important data before using WinClone, which is a free download for Mac only.
