How do i set up arch linux, with another distro already installed, without wiping the disk?
from somerandomperson@lemmy.dbzer0.com to linux@lemmy.ml on 01 Aug 21:35
https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/50249536

ArchWiki did not help ;(

#linux

threaded - newest

Telorand@reddthat.com on 01 Aug 22:11 next collapse

You have to create a second partition or use a Virtual Machine. Look for dual booting instructions, if you want to install alongside your current distro.

INeedMana@piefed.zip on 01 Aug 22:11 next collapse

I think it's a messy idea, you will be getting conflicts on files already present in the system. You've been warned ;)

With that out of the way, I guess just download the image and start from https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Installation_guide#Installation

mina86@lemmy.wtf on 01 Aug 22:17 next collapse

First step is to shrink and possibly move around your existing partitions to make space for a new one. GParted Live may help with that. Once you have enough space, just install Arch there. If you already have separate /home you should be able to reuse it.

vk6flab@lemmy.radio on 01 Aug 22:46 next collapse

The real question is: Why?

Here’s some answers to your question:

  1. Backup your data, nuke the drive, start again.
  2. chroot is the tool for the job. Backup your data before you accidentally nuke your drive.
  3. Shrink the partition and write a new one in the empty space, but backup your data before you accidentally nuke your drive.
  4. Connect an external drive, install on it, but backup your data before you accidentally nuke your drive.

Finally, the reason that the wiki didn’t help is that the question is asked by either a person with not enough experience, or one who doesn’t need the wiki. This is a non trivial process and you should backup your data before you proceed, lest you accidentally nuke your drive.

Edit:

Also, anything you break can be fixed … but only if you have a backup.

HaraldvonBlauzahn@feddit.org on 02 Aug 06:47 next collapse

Option (4) is safer in the long run because it prevents boot loaders overwriting each other.

Also, dual-booting and accessing the same data in /home IS ONLY SAFE IF YOU DO A FULL SHUTDOWN ON EACH BOOT OF THE OTHER SYSTEM. No hibernate, because hibernate does not unmount file systems.

If you want to keep both running, a VM (for example running in GNOME Boxes) is both safer and much more convenient.

pmk@lemmy.sdf.org on 02 Aug 09:46 collapse

In addition to this, it’s also a good idea to backup important data first.

infinitevalence@discuss.online on 01 Aug 23:05 next collapse

Resize your partitions so you can use the empty space.

Then install to the new position.

Update grub.

HaraldvonBlauzahn@feddit.org on 02 Aug 08:15 collapse

Also, just in case that nobody mentioned that already, a good opportunity to learn how to backup and restore your data ;-)

daggermoon@lemmy.world on 02 Aug 10:03 next collapse

It’s easier with endeavourOS or Cachy OS if you don’t want vanilla. As someone who’s an Arch user, endeavourOS is better.

somerandomperson@lemmy.dbzer0.com on 02 Aug 12:16 collapse

OK. Guess i’m installing EndeavourOS alongside my current distro. (Fedora)

But i still have one more question: When i tried to install EOS alongside Fedora in a VM, EOS’s GRUB did not find fedora and vice versa. How do i fix that? (Sure, i could spam [ESC] each boot to select the os but that’s just inconvenient.)

noor48@lemmy.ml on 02 Aug 14:30 next collapse

Cause you have to put endeavouros /boot/efi partition same as fedoras /boot/efi partition. And also os-prober installed.

daggermoon@lemmy.world on 02 Aug 16:49 collapse

You can reinstall grub using a grub2disk usb if something goes wrong. It might go better with real hardware than in a VM. I could be wrong though. Sorry I can’t be more helpful in that regard, I don’t use grub anymore.

somerandomperson@lemmy.dbzer0.com on 02 Aug 20:19 collapse

Should i replace GRUB with systemd-boot?

daggermoon@lemmy.world on 02 Aug 21:21 collapse

Maybe, it’s easier to configure. If you already have GRUB setup than I probably wouldn’t bother. It depends on your needs.

Fizz@lemmy.nz on 02 Aug 13:58 next collapse

Resize your drive so you habe enough space for arch. Then boot into the live USB, partion the empty space into the typical boot/swap/root and then install arch as normal.

tasankovasara@sopuli.xyz on 03 Aug 14:06 collapse

resize2fs or a bootable gparted stick will help. And yes, it’s all on the Arch Wiki.