> | > The solution, then is to create the partitions using the DOS fdisk utility,
> | > including the ones you want for Linux. Then restart the 'puter, and run fdisk
> | > again, but this time remove the partitions you want for Linux. Install Win9x,
> | > then install Linux, recreating the partitions with disk druid. I think this
>will
> | > work.
> | >
> | The problem with this, is that it makes the Linux
> | partitions visible to Windows, which, I've heard, can cause
> | corruption, as Windows tries to "fix" the "grunged" file
> | system and can't.
... what? This should definitely not happen! Windows ignores partition
types that aren't FAT or FAT32. Windows can indeed see the partitions,
but fdisk for DOS is so limited that it doesn't display them correctly.
If Windows does not recognize the partition type, it ignores the
partition. I've never seen Windows try to "fix" a Linux filesystem. When
did this happen to you?
You should not create partitions for Linux under Windows. Well, you can,
but you'll have to edit them later. Windows will automatically set the
partition type to FAT. In order to create an ext2 filesystem on the
partition, you first must change the partition type to Linux. It's better
to simply not create partitions from Windows' fdisk unless they are
partitions to be used by Windows.
> Even if yoy create the partitions in DOS, restart in DOS, remove the partitions
> for Linux, restart in DOS, Install Win, restart with Linux installer and create
> the partitions again with disk druid, DOS will still see the Linux partitions,
> and try to "fix" them? Hmmm... I didn't know that. I never tried it before for
> Linux, but it sounded right. I just thought that when the partitions were
> removed in DOS, they would just be empty space on the disk, or extended
> partition. Then you could do anything you wanted to with the space. Guess
> I gave the Redmond boys too much credit this time. Thanks for seting me
> straight.
You sure are going about this the long way. Why create partitions when
you're going to delete right away? It's not like you have to fill up
the whole disk for DOS or anything. Just create the partitions you need
for DOS in DOS, then format them and install your OS, then install Linux.
Disk druid or fdisk will let you create the Linux partitions during the
installation. DOS/Windows should not try to touch your partitions at all.
The only problem might be if they have a FAT label in the partition table,
but a non-FAT filesystem on them. That may cause Windows to "fix" the
partitions. But it shouldn't happen, as long as you stick to creating an
OS's partitions with the right tool- DOS fdisk for DOS partitions, Linux
fdisk (or disk druid) for Linux partitions.
-Matt Stegman
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
