Quick Help Please

[DiR[ëctory]]

Here is my dilemma.

I decided to download Mandrake Linux (First of many mistakes).

During the install it asked whether I would like to remove the windows partition. I knew that I didn't want to do this and wanted to set up a 2nd partition for linux. The way the choice box was set up I thought I was choosing to keep the partition when in fact I deleted it. So...

I want to start from scratch. I don't want linux anymore. It is not even really working right. I don't know anyting about it, I was just trying to expand my computer knowledge database Anyways. I have tried putting a windows bootdisk in and running fdisk. I get to Fdisk and it takes me through the screens and it gets to the screen where it is suppossed to do something and it doesn't do jack. It freezes up or something. I really need some help with this issue. I am also going to post it in the linux forum. Is there a way I can format the Hard Drive from CMOS? I know this is a pain because of the way that the two OS's work. I got myself in deep this time. Anything that you guys can offer would be great.

Thanks

[Geek #1]

First run FDISK or even better a third party partition utility such as PowerQuest Partition Magic (You can download a trial version from the website).

Delete all partions from the disk and run FDISK /MBR - this will remove the boot record (where linux is still lurking).

If you really want to learn Linux (Mandrake is a good choice by the way), invest in a second PC. You don't need much (Pentium 200, 32 Mb RAM 2 -> 4 GB hard disk will suffice) and then you don't need to worry about messing your windows setup.

[Gabriel]

Actually there is a low level format in Some of the Bios'es...
But you don't want to mess with it.

[DiR[ëctory]]

Thanks for the help. I went to the chat center and a tech hooked me up.

Working great now!

Josh

[Mr_Miyagi]

[quote]Originally posted by Geek #1:
<strong>First run FDISK or even better a third party partition utility such as PowerQuest Partition Magic (You can download a trial version from the website).

Delete all partions from the disk and run FDISK /MBR - this will remove the boot record (where linux is still lurking).

If you really want to learn Linux (Mandrake is a good choice by the way), invest in a second PC. You don't need much (Pentium 200, 32 Mb RAM 2 -> 4 GB hard disk will suffice) and then you don't need to worry about messing your windows setup.</strong><hr></blockquote>


not much point in having the trial demo version as it doesn't do any of the changes you make... so save the time and go to the computer shop instead!