Install linux, don't install Windows

MNeido · Post time 2023-10-31 04:36:22

Just got an SER-5. I don't use Windows, I use linux. I have the version of linux that I use ready to install on a memory stick, and I'd like to install it to the NVMe drive. I want to preserve the Windows install in case the SER5 doesn't work out for me.
My plan is to go to a local computer store and get a new 1Tb NVMe drive, install that on the SER-5 then put the flash drive into the SER-5 which should start the installation.

Before I start doing this, I want to be sure that I have the right steps to get the installation going. If what I'm proposing will not work, what do I have to do?

Thank you,

GingerDog · Post time 2023-10-31 05:14:12

I don't know if you can fit two disks in the SER5, if you can - then you could repartition/resize partitions on the provided SSD (e.g. I used the siduction.org installer to do it on my SER6 max) ... and then install Linux on the freed up space (Windows didn't seem to mind).

I've also seen people posting on this forum asking for windows activation keys, so I assume you could just start with an empty disk, and install Windows from a USB stick activate it after talking to support.

If you buy a new SSD, as long as it's larger, you could 'dd' the old disk onto the new one, and then mess about with a disk partitioning tool so the new space becomes visible.

MNeido · Post time 2023-10-31 06:08:12

GingerDog replied at 2023-10-31 05:14
I don't know if you can fit two disks in the SER5, if you can - then you could repartition/resize pa ...

Nope. Only one disk. Thanks for the thoughts.

linuxuser · Post time 2023-10-31 11:06:50

I wrote 1 answer, which is waiting to be approved. Now I know you want to use 1 drive only. What comes in my mind, when I searched for a NVME. 1TB is not much cheaper than 2TB. See https://forum.bee-link.com/forum ... &extra=page%3D1

Magister · Post time 2023-10-31 20:52:05

It will work. In my case I just repartitionned the nvme to install Linux on it, no problem.

linuxuser · Post time 2023-11-01 09:35:33

I ended at https://forum.bee-link.com/forum ... 8153&extra=page%3D1 which means activation is not valid anymore after Win 11 installation and new partitons, although it showed activated before. Don't forget to disable fastboot before Linux installation.

Magister · Post time 2023-11-01 20:22:52

Edited by Magister at 2023-11-02 10:00

In Windows you need to create/login a Microsoft account, then your windows key will be saved in your account, and whenever you re-install windows 11 from scratch, when you first log in with your MS account, it will be registered.