Linux student driver wannabe, needs keys

olopbob · #1 11-13-2002, 02:35 AM

I thought I could just install Mandrake or Redhat on my 60 gig hard drive, so I could learn the O/S. I had XP partitioned and Partitionmagic and Bootmagic to do the rest. Well, that was two weeks ago, and now all I need is a link to give me step by step instructions. I have spent hours just trying to change a NTFS partition back to FAT32, so that tells my sorry story. So if there is a place (link, webpage or guru) to go, I have backups made and am ready to reformat. (will still need Partitionmagic ).One link, all I ask is one link, but be forewarned, I will return, GRANDMASTERS.

Note: Why do I get asked to hit any key to boot to my only O/S after partitioning, when there is no where else to go?

Disk_Contented · #2 11-13-2002, 12:28 PM

Can't be done without a format.
Control panel/system/advanced/startup and recovery/time to display list of operating systems. set to 0.

olopbob · #3 11-13-2002, 02:49 PM

Well since I'm reformatting, should I just go with FAT32 to avoid future conflicts? Space is no problem, and I really need to share files and programs between O/S's if that matters between NTFS and FAT32.

Disk_Contented · #4 11-14-2002, 02:59 PM

If you need to share between Systems, then yes, Fat is best.

beeboy · #5 11-14-2002, 03:22 PM

Not sure of your problem. But you will need to reformat the partition set aside for linux as EXT. You will also need a 300 to 400 mb partition for linux SWAP. You will also need a boot partition about 75 mb. When you are installing your OS and I recommend Mandrake 9, do the expert install. During the install specify EXT3 for file system - it is better than EXT and Partition Magic recognizes it. Of course, leave SWAP as swap. Best go to Mandrakes website for explicit instructions that hold true for most linux OS's. As you are using Boot Magic, install the linux boot loader in the boot partition you will make. You need to keep careful track of the partitions when installing so everything goes where its supposed to. Disable plug and play in your bios as well during the install. Remember if you are using Partition Magic do not reformat again with the linux install - just specify file types and destinations. Good luck