I want to install a Linux distro, maybe Mint or Zorin or Deepin on the C: drive but I don't want to touch or format any of the other partitions, especially the D: Data as I have lots of stuff on it that I can use (pdfs, jpgs, text files, mp3 & flac files) However, I have a backup image in case anything stuffs up.

Anyway, when I come to install Linux on the C: drive and replace Windows what's the best way to set it up manually so Linux replaces Windows and the other partitions are not touched. I don't want dual boot with Win. I already have another laptop set up with Win 11, I just want to run Linux on this laptop and keep the Data drive.

I looked on YouTube and watched several vids but I can't find a vid that gives me the specific info I want.

One option is to boot into Linux with a bootable USB drive. I'm sure Mint has one and probably the others you posted. Once that has booted, you can use a tool called gparted to shrink one of those drives (probably D:) and then install Linux there. Backup your stuff obviously.

1 hour ago, eddyod said:

One option is to boot into Linux with a bootable USB drive. I'm sure Mint has one and probably the others you posted. Once that has booted, you can use a tool called gparted to shrink one of those drives (probably D:) and then install Linux there. Backup your stuff obviously.

Nup, sorry but your reply doesn't help me one iota.

47 minutes ago, grain said:

Nup, sorry but your reply doesn't help me one iota.

Linux isn't for you

13 minutes ago, JayClay said:

Linux isn't for you

Well I did say very clearly that I want to keep the D: drive Data. I want to install to the C: drive and not touch the D: drive. Then the first reply I get tells me to install to the D: drive. And I get advised to backup when I've already said I have a system image in case there's a screwup.

However. It's all ok, I have now found a YT vid that told me want I wanted to know.

Mint gives you the option to replace the current OS or dual boot.

It's very easy to install, I did it a week or two back.

Plugged in a second HD and told it to install on that.

Still did a dual boot between old os drive and new Mint install. You can also dual boot from the same HD.

I use Ventoy on a usb, which allows you to have multiple OS .iso images on one usb.

Mine has win10.iso, macrium restore.iso and Mint.iso all selectable from Ventoy boot menu.

Edited August 2Aug 2 by BritManToo

14 hours ago, grain said:

Well I did say very clearly that I want to keep the D: drive Data. I want to install to the C: drive and not touch the D: drive. Then the first reply I get tells me to install to the D: drive. And I get advised to backup when I've already said I have a system image in case there's a screwup.

However. It's all ok, I have now found a YT vid that told me want I wanted to know.

I said you could shrink that D: drive. You don't have to toss it away. You could also shrink another drive.

21 minutes ago, eddyod said:

I said you could shrink that D: drive. You don't have to toss it away. You could also shrink another drive.

I should have mentioned, when you shrink a drive, you can create a new one in that new space. Any iotas there?