Using cfdisk, getting error cannot read disk drive

Forum: HD Install
Topic: Using cfdisk, getting error cannot read disk drive
started by: DC103

Posted by DC103 on Sep. 12 2006,11:26

Hi all, I just downloaded DSL last night using my SuSE box and I have it running now on an older computer that I want to try and install SuSE on. The older computer only has 64MB ram so I can not install SuSE without first making some swap space available. To make a long store short that is how I discovered DSL and I'm using it now to post this message. This DSL is really neat! It is running on an old computer that SuSE will not even try to install on. Anyway I need to make some swap space and tried using cfdisk but keep getting errors.

This is where I'm at now, I booted the old computer using a old DOS boot floppy and used FDISK to delete the primary (only) partition. Then I booted DSL and ran "sudo cfdisk /dev/hda1" when I do this I get the error "FATAL ERROR: Cannot read disk drive press any key to exit cfdsk"

The computer had Win 98 on it and 98 was acting up but it would still boot using safe mode. I don't think the HD had any problems.

BTW - I did first boot DSL before deleting the partion and tried using cfdisk but got another error about the same as the one above (I should have wrote it down).

Maybe I overlooked something simple?

Thanks for any help in sorting out this HD, DC

Posted by ^thehatsrule^ on Sep. 12 2006,13:40

Are you sure its hda? Scroll around in the mount.app tool for hints ( or /mnt, or just try other letters i.e. hdb )

Side Note: you should've used "sudo cfdisk /dev/hdx" to refer to the actual disk drive instead of referring to the partition itself.

Posted by DC103 on Sep. 13 2006,11:21

Quote (^thehatsrule^ @ Sep. 12 2006,09:40)

Hi thehatsrule, yes this was the problem. I was pointing at a partition instead of the whole HD. Got it working now.

Thanks, DC

Posted by gbuscrizist on Sep. 16 2006,21:12

I am having the same problem, and I pointed to the hard disk itself but no dice, it still says fatal error. I installed dsl but used a resolution that was too big for my laptop (toshiba portege 7010ct) and so i cant see the side bar and the bottom bar, so I am trying to reformat my hard disk so that I can reinstall with the correct resolution, but I always get the fatal error that my hard disk can't be found.

Posted by Winter Knight on Sep. 17 2006,00:42

I'm not sure if resolution is an install option, so reformatting and starting again won't help you.

To solve your resolution option, modify the file "/home/dsl/.xserverrc". It is a very small file, and you should see 1024x768x24, or something like that. Change it to what you want. Then reboot, or restart X. That should fix that.

As for not being able to cfdisk your hard disk, carefully check your command. Does it start with sudo? Are you using /dev/hdX, where X is either a, b, c, or d. Probably a. Double check, very carefully:

Code Sample

sudo cfdisk /dev/hda

That is assuming you are using a standard PATA (old style) IDE hard disk. If you are using SATA, USB, SCSI, tape, or cardboard, you really should mention that.