Wubi: Install Ubuntu in Windows Partition - A Complete Guide

Now you have an easy-to-use tool for installing Ubuntu linux into your PCs without disturbing your Windows installation. One of the latest releases by Ubuntu, Wubi can do it for you. With Wubi you can install or uninstall Ubuntu on Windows. This application will enable installation of Linux on the Windows partitions, and that even in a single folder. That implies you don’t need partitioning for installation. Wubi can run as a Windows application. The installation can be accomplished without re-partitioning of the drive and there is no risk for wiping out of existing data. What’s more, Wubi is free to download. So let’s get on with the installation to make the mutt’s nuts out of a dual-OS PC.

Before moving to the installation, I need to get you acquainted checks for using Wubi.

Things to check before installation

Certain requirements you need to meet before installation

• In order to start with the installation you need to have the Wubi that accompanies the newly released Ubuntu. In case, you don’t have that just download the executable file for free.

• If you have a high speed Internet connection you don’t need to burn a disc for installation. Use the ISO file instead.

• Ensure that you download the right version of Wubi for Ubuntu installation

• If you are using a disc, make sure it’s a standard desktop version of Ubuntu.

• You need to have - 256 MB memmory, 5 GB harddisk space and Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista.

How to Install Ubuntu in Windows

Follow the steps below for installation

Step 1

Download the disc image in the form of an ISO file and copy it into the folder with Wubi executable.

Step 2

Double click the Wubi executable. The installer will detect the ISO file and installation starts.

Step 3

WIndows will ask you to enter the username and password for the OS. Enter them and remember them as you would need them to enter the distribution.

Step 4

When prompted, enter the size that you want to allocate for the distribution on the hard drive. Also choose the location where you want to install the Ubuntu.

When you are done with the above step, a folder will be created in its place having the necessary partitions as files in it.

Step 5

Now click on the install to start the installation.

When the installation is complete reboot your system. You will find an option for booting into Ubuntu.

Now that you are done with the installation. I have some more things to add for your convenience.

Uninstalling Ubuntu

Later on, if you decide that Ubuntu isn’t meant for you, uninstall it.  Uninstalling Ubuntu is pretty much same as uninstalling any other Windows application.
Here are the steps to Uninstall Ubuntu

Step 1

After booting into Window, click on the Start button

Step 2

Enter the Control Panel and select the Add/Remove Programs option.

Step 3

Click on the Ubuntu and then click on the Change/Remove

Step 4

Click on the Uninstall

Once you are over with it Ubuntu will be removed from your computer.

How to access the Ubuntu Partitions from Windows

Suppose you have started with Ubuntu and you require the files that you were working on in Windows.In order to access the files from Windows you would require an application called Explore2fs. Here’s what you need to do

Step 1

Download the Explore2fs

Step 2

Run the application and click on File. Go to the Open Image file.

Step 3

Browse to the \Ubuntu\ disks and get the location where you had installed the Ubuntu.

Step 4

Choose to display all kinds of files and select the partition you want to load. You will be able to access the files in it.

Trouble with Wubi

I need to inform you about certain hitch ups you might face while using Wubi. There are two problems

Inability to access the partition in Ubuntu

Once you boot into the partition in which Wubi installs Ubuntu it will not be accessible. In case you need to access the partition with Ubuntu,  you should create a small partition. The size of the partition should be enough for the Wubi Ubuntu installation. This can be done with a partitioning tool like gParted . this is a free partitioning tool. In case you are having a new hard drive allot a small partition for Ubuntu when you are doing the partitions for Windows. Alternately, you can do it by manually mounting the partition in Ubuntu.

Fragmentation of virtual disk files

The way Ubuntu is stored on the system is not cool. With use you’ll see the large virtual disk files getting fragmented.  So if you don’t want the Linux to go slow defrag once in a while.

Now if you are enjoying this hack to run Ubuntu on Windows partition using Wubi, let me know if you had any crunches.