At 05:23 PM 7/3/02 +0000, you wrote:
On Wed, 03 Jul 2002 Nikhil D. Kikkeri wrote :
hello,
is it true that in order to install Linux on a laptop/desktop which comes pre-loaded with WinXP i have to format the ENTIRE hard drive?
if so, is there a way i can avoid formatting the hard disk?
ummm... you may try the following - but only just before you decide to format, sabbe? Meaning this is only a very long shot, and should only be tried as an experiment.
If you have multiple partitions then you have almost no problems...
But if you have only one partition then ta da! Defrag main partition asking it to arrange programs so that they start faster.
Boot from a Linux cd and fire up fdsik. Note the partition ID Delete this main primary partition. Create a smaller primary partition and give it the above ID note that the starting cylinder of your original partition and this newly created 'smaller' partition must be the same. Create another partition in the remaining space for whatever OS you like... :D Write to disk and exit fdisk and reboot into Winxp There is a chance that scandisk will run and crib about a corrupt fat and correct it. Then you are in luck ... else continue with the format. :D
quasi