[KLUG Members] Major problem with Windows re-install and Partitioning.

Michael Casteel members@kalamazoolinux.org
Wed, 26 Sep 2001 00:22:10 -0400


<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV>I have a Dell computer.&nbsp; Ive called Dell about 4 times now and got a few leads but no real help... and no real solution to my problem.</DIV>
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<DIV>Here is the background information...&nbsp; Im re-instaling Windows.&nbsp; I previously had a duel&nbsp;boot system using System&nbsp;Commander 2000 booting Linux Mandrake,&nbsp;SuSe Linux and Windows 98. &nbsp; I forgot to delete all partitions before I formated the C Drive.&nbsp; I belive Ive used the command (Format C:) and I a have used FDISK to delete all of the partitions possible.</DIV>
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<DIV>I still have one partition left that I CANNOT remove for some reason.&nbsp; Partition 1 is an exteneded partition containing several logical Unix partitions (FDISK cannot see any of these logical partitions when trying to delete them).&nbsp; I originally created these partitions with System Commander.&nbsp; FDISK is an endless loop when trying to get rid of this partition.&nbsp; When I try to delete the extended partition, it says I must first delete the logical partitoins.&nbsp; so when I try to delete the logical partitions FDISK cannot see the partitions (Im guessing because it is of the UNIX file structure).</DIV>
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<DIV>So to solve the problem I tried to re-install System commander in DOS to manually get rid of theses logical partitions the same way I created them.&nbsp; However, System commander tells me tat Windows was shutdown improperly and that I have to run Norton Disk Doctor in order to fix the problem.&nbsp; If Norton disk Doctor will solve all of my problems I would buy it tomorrow and be happy, but I have a fear that it will not work (Is it even DOS operatable?), if it doesnt work it will be a waste of money, and I will not be able to get refunded for it.</DIV>
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<DIV>I dont want to make this any longer, so this is where I will ask for your advice.</DIV>
<DIV>What can I do?&nbsp; Is there another program like FDISK that can "SEE" these Unix file types so I can delete them?&nbsp; Or, is the only way through System Commander, and do I have to buy DISK DOCTOR?</DIV>
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<DIV>My last question is... .have any of you ever seen this before?&nbsp; I feel like I got my self into a real mess, and Im debating on just buying a new harddrive.&nbsp; If I were to do that I could use that drive to install windows and eventually repair my current hardrive with the new one (would that be correct?).</DIV>
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<DIV>Thank you for your patience and for your help, Im sorry that this is so long, just felt it was necessary to give all of the info that I can up front.</DIV>
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<DIV>Mike Casteel</DIV>
<DIV>WMU Student</DIV></div><br clear=all><hr>Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at <a href='http://go.msn.com/bql/hmtag_itl_EN.asp'>http://explorer.msn.com</a><br></html>