NTFS-compatible Linux Distribution

Pi rules · #1 September 10th, 2005, 02:06 AM

I am having a problem with XP not repairing correctly (see here). I was wondering if someone could recommend a Linux distro that meets the following criteria:

Able to safely read/write to NTFS
Can safely shrink an existing Windows partition
Free
I don't care if it is Debian-based, KDE, etc. I'm a fast learner.
Will reasonably fit in about 20 or less gigs with some extra applications.

Also, do you know if it is possible for me to install the Linux distro and shrink my existing 80 GB Windows NTFS partition to about 60, then rescue whatever data I can, and then reinstall XP on that 60 GB?

PS: I am not new to Linux, but I only have about 1 year's experience with it (Ubuntu).

Thanks for your assistance!

HenryVI · #2 September 10th, 2005, 02:14 AM

Hmmmm....... I believe that all distro's can r/w to NTFS if you set it up right (but don't ask me, if something is messed up, I do a reinstall. I've already done two this week

(I know it prolly ruined my linux partition but))

Pi rules · #3 September 10th, 2005, 02:40 AM

Hi HenryVI!

I had Ubuntu, and it doesn't (didn't?) have support for NTFS without an add-on (that I saw) that said it could possibly corrupt it. However, it could shrink an existing partition, and it is very user-friendly. It was suggested in PC World, which is how I learned about it.
Thanks!

**kage** · #4 September 10th, 2005, 02:44 AM

There is captive ntfs which is still a bit shaky, and then the latest kernel releases have native ntfs read/write support. I haven't tested the built-in ntfs support much yet, but was able to copy a few files to an ntfs partition.

Pi rules · #5 September 10th, 2005, 02:45 PM

Do you know of any specific examples?

Pi rules · #6 September 13th, 2005, 02:56 AM

I just got a new hard drive and installed Windows XP on it.

However, I left 10 GB free for some Linux Distro. Any suggestions on which one (preferrably one with a Live CD available)?