Linux Mint installer doesn't recognize partitions(urgent)

[Brahim Salem]

I'm trying to install Mint 13 on a Dell inspiron i3 but the installer doesn't show existing NTFS partition and rather showing my HDD as an "unlocated"! help it's urgent!!!!!

[bigj231]

So /dev/sda doesn't exist? I've seen this before, and rebooting fixed it for me then. Check if it shows up in fdisk first though.
Maybe try a different USB port too. Also, resize your partitions from within windows if you're planning on keeping windows.

[wayne128]

There is a chance that the partition table is corrupt.

I usually do this:
1. boot and run Live on Linux OS
2. use fdisk, to check that partition table is still OK ,
3. if that is OK, then just use fdisk to re-write partition table
4. get back to gparted and it should be showing all partition, in graphic form.

[Pierre]

There is a chance that the partition table is corrupt.

if so, then the Gparted will show a yellow triangle on the left of that NTFS partition.

usually, this means that scandisk, has to be run from within the windows O/S.

[dimonic]

Same problem. I have tried Linux Mint 12 and 13 - the installer does not see any partitions. fdisk, parted and gparted all work. I even deleted my Windows partitions and tried, then tried adding suitable Linux partitions, but the installer cannot see them.

[dimonic]

Had to give up. Trying Gentoo now.