Can't Create HD partition

Forum: HD Install
Topic: Can't Create HD partition
started by: como

Posted by como on June 26 2005,23:54

Ok, I got dsl and immediately put it on a live cd. So I have a few problems that I have no clue how to solve.

-1. formost and worst of all I want to install dsl to my hd but when I'm in windows it won't let me make one. I have 2 partitions already one for the xp system files and the other takes up all the rest of the space. Also in the drive manager it displays no unallocated space. How do I free up some space? Also I wonder if I even need to seeing as I have 512mb of ram.

-2. Filetool.lst and xfiletool.lst what is the difference and how do they work.

-3. Mydsl: how do I use a gz.tar mydsl fiile thing

Keep in mind I'm a first time linux user.

Posted by tjm4fun on June 27 2005,06:26

You have a number of options. First backup your data. if you make a mistake partitioning you can wipe out everything you have installed.
You really need to create some freespace to make a decent install. If there is no data on your 2nd partition, you can delete the partition from windows in the file management section. If you do have data there, you would be better off using a partitioning program like partition magic to shrink the exisitng one. Another option if you have the space is copy the data you want from the second partition to your first one in a temp folder, delete the 2nd partition, then re-create it but leave at least 2- ? gig free at the end. copy your data back. now windows should be happy.
One thing you should note is if the second partition is a logical or primary partition, as this does affect drive numbering.

now boot the dsl cd. in the mount app on the right side, scroll around til you see hda then click on the little zipper below that to mount it.
Next right click on the desk top, go to xshells root access.
in the terminal window that opens, type in cfdisk
you will see a list of your partitions.
hda1 is your primary windows partition.
Now if your second partition is a logical partition it will be hda5, if primary it will be hda2
you should see the freespace you created at the end of the list.
use the cursor keys to move down to the freespace.
use the tab keyto move the command selector to create. hit enter.
it will ask to create logical or primary. (if your second partition is logical, you will have to make this logical)
after that it will show you how much space is available. subtract 300 or 500 meg for a swap file and enter that number.
Next cursor over to type. it will likely show as 82 linux swap. change that to 83.
Now cursor down to that last bit of freespace. Create. logical or primary as above.
use all the remaining storage.
set type to 82 linux swap.
note the hda numbers you just created. when you feel confident, click on write, say yes to write the new partition table.
ok, now you have hda 3 or 6 if your second partition was logical as your install space. and hda 4 or 7 as your swap file.
To make your life easier after the install, you should format the swap partition now, the boot after the install will discover it and use it with no intervention.
issue this command to format the swap partition:
mkswap /dev/hda# where # is the number of the swap partition you just created.

ok you should be all set to do the install now. I would just reboot and verify windoze is ok, then reboot with the cdrom and follow the instructions to install dsl to hdd. use the first hda# you created (3 or 6?) when it asks where to install.
use the ext3 filesystem.
follow thru with the rest of the prompts and have fun!