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Linux and FAT32

I have installed Windows 98 and converted my dirves to FAT32. I want to install Linux Red Hat 5.1 Manhattan. Problems begin when partitioning the drive. I all ready have 2 partitions on one drive, both FAT32 and a second firve, too FAT32. Well, the last two are empty, but setup says that they are not? I formatted them, but it didn't help. I know I must have a Linux native and swap partitions, but how do this without deleting windows?
Please help.

Adam.
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marcelofr

I'm not sure if I understand your question, but if the partitions a of type FAT32, they are NOT empty partitions... To install Linux you need to CHANGE the type of the partitions to Linux native (and Linux swap) or DELETE and re-create them...
And don't create a big swap... it doesn't help with performance (even when you don't use it...)

Good Luck
when you boot from cd rom you need to install redhat linux use fdisk, then edit. You get fdisk type m it gives it list of commands remove extended partition then add 2 and 3 primary and  use 20 to  50 mb for 2 and the rest of free space to 3 primary then install linux  
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stormerider

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when i started in linux, i found it best to repartition the drive using powerquest partition magic 3. this leaves your win95 files intact then format the new partition as FAT16 then simply run the linux setup and install to the newly created partition. This way it automatically sets up your boot manager (LILO) for dual boot 95 / linux (i wouldnt recommend using FAT32 for your win95 it can cause problems with thr boot manager). (Note: I used Redhat linux 5)
Note: I wouldnt recommend putting linux under FAT16. Use the ext2fs, it's much more powerful and stable. Use PowerQuest to redo it and then go at it.


yea, i think you can also format it using the linux setup to ext2fs is that right stormerider
If you already repartitioned your drives so you have partitions with no essential data on them, yes, you can. Otherwise PowerQuest, Partition-Magic, etc. The FIPS utitlity will not work on FAT32.
THE BEST WAY TO INSTAL YOUR LINUX-OS, WITHOUT KILL YOUR WIN98 PARTITION, IS: USING THE FDISK PROVIDED WITH LINUX, KILL THE SUBSEQUENTS PARTITIONS (NOT THE PRIMARY) AND RECREATE THESE LIKE A LINUX NATIVE. OBS: YOU DON'T NEED TO FORMAT YOUR WINDOWS PARTITION, I ALREDY HAVE TWO INSTALATIONS IN THIS CONDITIONS, ON MY HOUSE AND MY WORK