[elles]

OK, I'm a total newbie here. I have no idea what I have done. So far, I have installed Linux (Mandrake 9.2) by following my teacher's instructions. He suggestd we install it because it's a C programing/unix class. All went well, I did the partitions and everthing..However, now that I boot up my computer, it automatically goes to Linux. How do I get it to load windows by default or how do I get it to ask me what OS I want to run? I tried loading in my recovery disks..that didn't help..still got linux on there. I just realized that it probably reformatted my C drive, but not the partition that Mandrake is on. ;( Also, how do I get rid of Linux all together, and get my hard drive back into one piece..instead of having the partitions? Please explain step by step. I tried looking at other forums. All they said was to run fdisk, etc etc..I need a detailed explanation. An explanation for newbies ;(

[Dapper Dan]

Did you run the Mandrake partitioning program when you did the install? Did you reduce your 'C' drive and install Mandrake in the newly created blank space? If not, then you are going to be extremely angry with your teacher..

If you're wanting Windows again, the Windows install should let you overwrite Mandrake if that is all that is presently on your HD.

[elles]

Yes, I used the Mandrake DrakX Partitioning. First I resized the C drive and created free space. Linux is on that new partition. Now that it is installed, Linux always boots up. I want it to either ask me which OS I want to boot up, or I want windows to be the default OS to boot up. Also, I'm getting sick of the Linux thing. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of it all together and help me get my hard drive back into one piece.

[elles]

Oh yea..I figured out how to get windows running. Press Esc while Linux is booting, then type in windows after the boot: thing..But still, that is pretty annoying and I just wanna get rid of it (linux)! AND now that I figured out how to start Windows, I found out I have NOTHING on my computer..since earlier I used my Hewlett Packard recover disks..thinking it would format EVERYTHING, but it didnt..just the partition Windows was on. SO, I'm stuck with Linux and Win 98 now... ;(

[Dapper Dan]

If you are able to access your Windows 98, then borrow or buy a copy of partition magic. It's very intuitive, and *should* allow you to clear Linux and retake that space again for Windows. You are at a crossroads though..
You can continue on in slavery under Windows, or you can take the bumpy road to freedom..

[elles]

Thanks a lot. I'll try it out. If I'm able to get a hold of Partition Magic, how hard would it be to get rid of the Linux partition? I mean, I'm not computer iliterate..but is it easy to figure out? Or will I have to be some "computer nerd" just to run the thing?

[Dapper Dan]

Partition Magic is very easy and intuitive. You should have no problems. Besides, it gives you every opportunity to bail if you don't think something is right.

[Maillion]

Quote:

How do I get it to load windows by default or how do I get it to ask me what OS I want to run? I tried loading in my recovery disks..that didn't help..still got linux on there.

You can go into your LiLo configuration program and set it to create a menu with Windows and Linux. (You apparently missed that part during the install. Don't feel bad. I did the same thing more than once, in several distros...) Hopefully you will decide to keep Linux for a while, and you can come back here to ask for help - between us and your unix course you will be able to learn much more than some of the other students in your class... 8)

[danleff]

The other thought that I had, is if lilo was chosen to be installed on the MBR or the Mandrake partition, during the install.

The recovery disk should have restored win and written over the master boot record. If it did not, then there is another issue.

If it did and you are booting to win 98 then follow Dapper Dan's instructions using PartitionMagic.

These HP systems are sometimes unique. HP chooses to use a small hidden partiton to store it's restore information and sometimes bios data.

Since this is part of a C class, did you think to ask in class about the issue? Your teacher may be able to explain the problem and it will also benefit the class, as well.

Mandrale generally stores the bootloader in the master boot record, unless you tell it to do otherwise during the install. It should have provided you with an option at the boot menu to get into Win or Mandrake, not the method of getting into windows that you described.

[Dapper Dan]

Quote:

HP chooses to use a small hidden partiton to store it's restore information and sometimes bios data.

Lord! Seems they all do anymore danleff! I bought three new Dells a year or so ago, and all of them have that tiny sliver of a fat32 partition right up front.

[Dapper Dan]

Of all the Mdk and RH installs I've done, I'll have to say I much prefer Grub over Lilo. My experience has been that Grub gives less trouble in these type situations. Then again, I've never installed Lilo anywhere except in the MBR, and never installed grub anywhere other than /boot.

[danleff]

Dapper Dan, your going to have to give me a Grub primer. I always wanted to use it, but have my Lilo set up to boo too many distros.

[elles]

OK, I got rid of Mandrake using fdisk and all of that..but I still have partitions ;( I have a C drive that's only showing up as 47 gigs, and a D drive that's 0 bytes. How do I get my C drive back to 60 gigs?

[danleff]

If I remember fdisk correctly (Windows fdisk, correct?) it is unable to see your Linux partition. So, my guess is that you still have unclaimed space that Windows is unable to see,

PartitionMagic will tell you this and allow you to re-claim that space again.

[manux]

To set up dual booting simply boot from Linux cd
press F1 when asked, type "rescue" then "enter"
select dual boot option then "ok" then "cancel"
when finnished. If windows is still intact you should
now have a dual boot system.