How to create NTFS partition in Linux to install Windows 7 from USB?
- by Michal Stefanow
I messed up with my computer and need help.
Generally: install Windows 7 from USB.
Problem: "setup was unable to create a new system partition"
When first attempt to install Windows 7 failed I tried Linux live USB, installed distro to HDD, and erased all the existing partitions. Current state (fdisk -l): [writing from other computer so no copy and paste]
/dev/sda1 305GB Linux
/dev/sda2 7GB Extended
/dev/sda5 7GB Linux Swam / Solaris
To create a new, NTFS partition:
fdisk /dev/sda
n (for new)
p (for primary)
3 (for partintion number)
"No free sectors available"
All the HDD was formatted couple of minutes before so there is a lot of free space but how to resize a parition?
I cannot find an option for resizing in man fdisk. Some people say I should use gparted but my distro doesn't not contain this package. And my distro doesn't support wireless drivers so I have serious problems with downloading stuff.
I tried also using cfdisk but any command results in:
"cfdisk bad primary partition 1 partition ends in the final partial cylinder"
I tried also removing partition 1 and then creating a new one (so there is no "no free sectors"). I'm receiving a warning:
"Re-reading the partition table failed with error 16: Device or resource busy.
The kernel still uses the old table. The new table will be used at the next reboot."
After restating: "grub rescue, no known filesystem"
It may indicate that some changes have been made BUT when running Windows 7 installed some another error: "Windows cannot be installed to Disk 0 Partition 1"
More detailed: "Windows cannot be installed to this hard disk space. Windows must be installed to a partition formatted as NTFS."
So formatting drive using Windows 7 installer
BUT this time yet another error: "Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See the setup log files for more information"
Apparently I cannot access logs (how?) and I am back to drawing board with my live USB (this time showing partition as HPFS/NTFS).
Any suggestions how to install Windows 7?
Should I reinstall Linux to HDD, erase existing partitions once again, and use Parted rather than gparted (parted is included in the distro). Or maybe should I create another bootable USB such as PartedMagic to painlessly create partitions?
I just want to install Windows 7 from USB, my laptop is semi-operational and I am ready to receive some help regarding fdisk and creating NTFS partitions.
UPDATE:
I did as suggested (removed all the partitions) and tried to install in unallocated space. Tried to create a new partition and format it. Same error: "setup was unable to create a new system partition"
Came to the conclusion it may have something to do with TrueCrypt I have recently installed. Right now trying to FIX MBR (as I haven't got possibility to create rescue disc without optical drive)
