Pre-Linux Installation questions

[Undead]

I have a 160GB Hard Drive that has two partitions
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/6123 ... hotkmb.png

but I'm not sure if If it's a good idea to use the partitioning tool in the linux mint install because I was bit thrown off that they both said Windows Vista though I'm sure that's not really the case but not sure if making space would affect Vista from booting..

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/3156 ... hot1yt.png
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1343 ... hot2nq.png

As you can see..the other partition is just the HP Recovery and seemingly it's saying I have some errors on my Hard Drive too..

So can I get some advice on what to do about this? and If I should continue with the Installation after all..and whether it would be a good idea to use partition tool given that they both say windows vista..

Thx in advance..

[Aging Technogeek]

If what the disk utility is saying about the drive is accurate, I would not continue with the Mint installation. The drive is near failure and should be replaced.

[Undead]

Thing is..I don't think it's accurate...I haven't had any issues with it on Windows Vista I think it might be linked to the two partitions I have on it though..and probably something that it doesn't like about them..but I guess if the danger is that great ...I guess I'll move on for the moment..might try to invest into an external hard drive if I need to later on..because I really do enjoy Linux Mint..but guess I can't dual boot it on my laptop then..

[Aging Technogeek]

You can try to install Mint on this hard drive if you think disk Utility is inaccurate. The setup you show in your first screenshot should work. The small partition you are concerned about is either the HP recovery partition shown in dick utility or (since mfgr recovery partitions are often invisible to disk checkers) a Microsoft Windows recovery partition. Either way, your proposed Mint partition is shown as not infringing on the partition so it should be okay.

[mike555]

If your thinking about an external HD , why not get an enclosure ,then put a good HD in it , that way if you need to , you could take it out and put it in your computer ...... just my 2 cents worth ..