Hi there I'm new to the linux world and have been lurking for a month or two (didn't have any questions that needed answering till now)...
[I apologize in advance for the long email] My experience with linux began with an old ibm 200 desktop that i installed red hat 7.0 (linux for dummies signed out from the public library). It was just a way for me to become somewhat semi-familiar with linux; it works great. This prompted me to seriously consider linux for full time use and maybe phase out XP completely... I downloaded the iso images for mandrake 9.0 for installation. After defragging the hard drive (as per recomendations) I began the install of mandrake as a home/office/multimedia etc. station. When it came time for the partitioning of the hard drive, I think I might have made a mistake (the comment box in mandrake stated: novice users may feel stress or anxiety when partitioning the hard drive-take your time or something like that-NO DOUBT!). Herein lies my problem: I wanted to keep windows and so only optioned to partition about 5gb of space which i knew was free space, as per the wizards instructions. Whatever i did was not quite perfect (although that may be my opionion) as when the computer restarts, I get the Mandrake option startlist: linux, console, linuxfb (?), and NT (windows, i assume). Linux starts up and works wonderfully; the NT start-up, however, uhm, does not...The windows xp start-up screen comes up and then the computer restarts itself and i end up back at the mandrake start screen. when i My dilemna/question is this: are any of my windows files still on the hard drive/still accessible or have i lost it all in the partitioning of the hard drive? Thanks in advance for any help/opinions and sorry for the convoluted and long message. Chris "anybody can install an operating system. a slightly smarter person can install two operating systems, but only a real idiot can mess it all up..." ps. i did manage to back up some of my important personal files, but i didn't get to save it all. my wife may or may not completely kill me....
