Fedora Core

Rayfe · 03-13-2005, 07:50 PM

Alright. I like Linux. But then I like Windows.

I installed Linux over Windows, fresh install, removing all partitions for a new.

My thought was to completely remove myself from Windows. But I found out that I cannot play any PC games on a Linux based OS. I enjoy the occassional game every now and then when I'm bored.

But I also like learning/messing around with Linux.

Now, I didn't want to get rid of Linux completely. But I want to be able to dual-boot into Windows, so I can play games whenever that fancy strikes.

Here's the problem: I cannot load up the Windows set-up utility. After it asks me to boot from CD, setup checks my system configuration and then just gives me a blank screen. I've checked around (the internet) and this seems a common problem. Something with Linux changing the MBR so that it doesn't recognize a Windows install. I've heard that I can use fdisk and fdisk /mbr to fix this. BUT I don't have a floppy disk drive ... so I'm guessing I'm SOL there?

I've also heard that I should 'low-level format' (reinitialize my HD) and that I can do this using software provided by my HD company. Maxtor is the company and the utility is PowerMax ... which doesn't work in Linux.

Here's what I want to do. I would like to be able to get Windows back. And I would also like to have Linux.

So first I need to solve the problem with Windows not being able to install.

Can anyone help me?

catalyst · 03-13-2005, 09:07 PM

Create a bootable CD with fdisk on it. Boot to the CD.

batty_professor · 03-13-2005, 09:44 PM

You could perhaps use the partition manager in the "configure your system" GUI to create a dos partition, but I'm afraid after you install windows, you'll not be able to boot the Linux partition, since windows doesn't like to share. And you've ruled out using a boot floppy. I'm afraid the only out you've got is to re-install windows and then the Linux FC-2. The biggest block you've got at the moment is cleaning off the existing partitions on the hard drive. I take it you're using a CD set that came with the computer, that is configured to only use the entire hard drive, and the size of what it can find currently doesn't match, so it aborts. Someone posted something about a 98 bootdisk on CD, I'm not sure if that works, if it does it's a good answer. If it creates the ramdisk utilities and extracts the tools for fdisk.exe and format.com etc. you're in business. In case not you may want to add fdisk.exe to the files to burn. You might be able to find a "live Linux CD" with dos utilities with which you can partition your drive. Something called INSERT comes to mind in this case. http://www.linux.org/dist/download.html?ID=370 This link will take you to where you can download it. INSERT supports NTFS

03-13-2005, 07:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rayfe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1 OS: Fedora Core	Fedora Core Alright. I like Linux. But then I like Windows. I installed Linux over Windows, fresh install, removing all partitions for a new. My thought was to completely remove myself from Windows. But I found out that I cannot play any PC games on a Linux based OS. I enjoy the occassional game every now and then when I'm bored. But I also like learning/messing around with Linux. Now, I didn't want to get rid of Linux completely. But I want to be able to dual-boot into Windows, so I can play games whenever that fancy strikes. Here's the problem: I cannot load up the Windows set-up utility. After it asks me to boot from CD, setup checks my system configuration and then just gives me a blank screen. I've checked around (the internet) and this seems a common problem. Something with Linux changing the MBR so that it doesn't recognize a Windows install. I've heard that I can use fdisk and fdisk /mbr to fix this. BUT I don't have a floppy disk drive ... so I'm guessing I'm SOL there? I've also heard that I should 'low-level format' (reinitialize my HD) and that I can do this using software provided by my HD company. Maxtor is the company and the utility is PowerMax ... which doesn't work in Linux. Here's what I want to do. I would like to be able to get Windows back. And I would also like to have Linux. So first I need to solve the problem with Windows not being able to install. Can anyone help me?

03-13-2005, 09:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
batty_professor Asst. Manager, Alternative Computing Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hooterville Il 45 mi. east of St. Louis mo Posts: 2,609 OS: Fedora Core 5 for now	You could perhaps use the partition manager in the "configure your system" GUI to create a dos partition, but I'm afraid after you install windows, you'll not be able to boot the Linux partition, since windows doesn't like to share. And you've ruled out using a boot floppy. I'm afraid the only out you've got is to re-install windows and then the Linux FC-2. The biggest block you've got at the moment is cleaning off the existing partitions on the hard drive. I take it you're using a CD set that came with the computer, that is configured to only use the entire hard drive, and the size of what it can find currently doesn't match, so it aborts. Someone posted something about a 98 bootdisk on CD, I'm not sure if that works, if it does it's a good answer. If it creates the ramdisk utilities and extracts the tools for fdisk.exe and format.com etc. you're in business. In case not you may want to add fdisk.exe to the files to burn. You might be able to find a "live Linux CD" with dos utilities with which you can partition your drive. Something called INSERT comes to mind in this case. http://www.linux.org/dist/download.html?ID=370 This link will take you to where you can download it. INSERT supports NTFS __________________ It's better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me. B. While users are never under any obligation, if you feel the urge please feel free to visit our donation page. Every little bit helps. And we thank you for your support. Microsoft free Registered Linux user 397458

03-13-2005, 09:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
catalyst Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 46 OS: XP	Create a bootable CD with fdisk on it. Boot to the CD.