need quick help...partitioning/mandrake 7.2 installation

[mowman]

Hello

I want to install Linux-Mandrake 7.2 on my laptop because it seems to be the most friendly distro for 1st timers like myself.

I want to know how I can first, finish my partitioning of the hard drive and still keep Windows98 and install Mandrake.

I used Partition Magic 6.0 to "resize" my FAT32 Partition from 30GB to 20GB and now I have some unallocated (or empty) space of 10Gb where I want to install linux.

Now where do I go from here? I'm thinking that you have to create a new partition for those 10Gb, but what kind? FAT or EXT2 And how do you create a SWAP partition?

Partition magic comes with some kinda wizard that is supposed to help, but I'm lost. It asks me whether you want the new partition to be logical or primary..."I dont know?" On top of this, Partition Magic also tells me that the new partition will be placed before the FAT32 partition. Will I lose my data with this much reshifting of files (i have over 16Gb of files in WIn98)

i really want this going soon! thanks

[mowman]

I forgot to ask, does Mandrake support USB printers and the LinkSys 10/100 ethernet PCMCIA?

[DodgeTrucs]

I have not used Linux for too long, but I am also using Mandrake 7.2, and I have installed it on several computers in dual boot with 98. In my opinion Partition Magic is pointless, I have never needed to use it once. Mandrake comes with DiskDrake wich does the job of Partition Magic, do a "custom" install of Mandrake and then tell it you want to keep Windows... if your drive currently has 1 partition for Windows tell i you want to use the free space on the Windows drive, it has the option of automatically setting up your partition table, this will get you a working computer with both in dual boot. you can take a screenshot of your partiton table with DiskDrake again once its running and post it somewhere, and someone can ensure that its using good space, and allocated correctly.

[DodgeTrucs]

Here is the first part of the 7.2 install ::
http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/demos/Demo/Mandrake7.2/Install/Reco/images/72reco2.png
Here is DiskDrake ::
http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/demos/Demo/Mandrake7.2/Install/Expert/images/72expertA8.png
---Charlie (Sorry if anyone is bothered by large images)


[This message has been edited by DodgeTrucs (edited 07 December 2000).]

[mowman]

okay, I'll try that. But I have to go the "expert" route in order to manually setup some stuff. I checked with the Linux for Laptop website and found out that alot of the devices on my laptop won't be automatically configured. Now the question becomes: what is the differnce btw "custom" installation and "expert" beside the Partitioning? And also, reading through the Partiton Magic manual...they discourge using the partitioning programs of the OSs you try to install...I feel that Partition Magic is a lot safer to use and is easlity accessable through Win98 (which I use more often...at least for now http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/smile.gif )

[ColdPack]

Originally posted by mowman:
okay, I'll try that. But I have to go the "expert" route in order to manually setup some stuff. I checked with the Linux for Laptop website and found out that alot of the devices on my laptop won't be automatically configured. Now the question becomes: what is the differnce btw "custom" installation and "expert" beside the Partitioning? And also, reading through the Partiton Magic manual...they discourge using the partitioning programs of the OSs you try to install...I feel that Partition Magic is a lot safer to use and is easlity accessable through Win98 (which I use more often...at least for now http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/smile.gif )

I'm with DodgeTrucs... use DiskDrake.
You can use Partition Magic if you want to but DiskDrake is part of the installation and works just as well.
When you are in the installation and at the point of partitioning, just "delete" that free space you created then rebuild your partitions from there (of course never touching that blue windows partition). Linux uses ext2, by the way. (I don't believe Reiser FS is an option with Mandrake in case anyone is wondering... http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/wink.gif )
Believe me, it's much easier to do it that way.
BTW, custom, I believe, lets you do stuff like partitions and expert will do the same but it also lets you do more nitty gritty package selection and stuff before it installs anything on your harddrive.
If anyone else has something to add then please, pile on!

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"What do people mean when they say the computer went down on them?"
---Marilyn Pittman


[This message has been edited by ColdPack (edited 07 December 2000).]

[chadm1967]

DodgeTrucs hit the nail right on the head. Mandrake includes a GREAT partitioning tool. You picked a great distribution for someone new to Linux. Also, once you get out of the "newbie" stage, you'll find that it's still a great distribution.

For the Linux install, you'll want to use ext2.


Good Luck!

http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/smile.gif

[DesertWolf]

Use DiskDrake, whenevfer I tried to use Partion magic, it ended up steping on the Win partion. Really screwed things up. I have had a lot less problems using DiskDrake.

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Once you learn something, it can never be taken away.

[Shad]

Diskdrake is an excellent tool. Reiserfs is an option in Mandrake, but I'm pretty certain it is only in an expert install. The Linksys 10/100 PCMCIA will be fine. I have the same card with my notebook.

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Just a Tuna in the Sea of Life

[mowman]

wow...thanks for all the input! this place rox http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/smile.gif

I'll go the easy way and disregard Partition Magic.

Once again thanks...

mowman

[D-Termind]

Originally posted by DodgeTrucs:
Here is the first part of the 7.2 install ::---Charlie (Sorry if anyone is bothered by large images)



No, mainly W-I-D-E graphics that end up running text WAY off the screen....

I am glad you posted this...how did you get screenshots during install?




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[D-Termind]

Originally posted by mowman:
okay, I'll try that. But I have to go the "expert" route in order to manually setup some stuff. I checked with the Linux for Laptop website and found out that alot of the devices on my laptop won't be automatically configured. Now the question becomes: what is the differnce btw "custom" installation and "expert" beside the Partitioning? And also, reading through the Partiton Magic manual...they discourge using the partitioning programs of the OSs you try to install...I feel that Partition Magic is a lot safer to use and is easlity accessable through Win98 (which I use more often...at least for now http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/smile.gif )


I have plaayed/installed with numerous distros and ALSO have PM 6.0...from what I see there isn't any problem with DD and I think PM discourages using OS partitioners because it makes there's (Win Version) unUsable in many case. They want to stay at the top of the mountain...that's all.

PM also has a DOS version which is still usable...it just loses the graphic splendor.

IT IS STILL DOS GRAPHIC THOUGH...

I am a newbie who distrusts everything till I find out for myself it's OK.

DiskDrake is OK and in fact helped me get my partitions back in order so I could reinstall Windows on one machine.

Don't fear DD...it's OK.

(DOS's fdisk wasn''t up to the task)

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D-Termind
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[This message has been edited by D-Termind (edited 07 December 2000).]

[firekillr]

I have just installed 7.2 Complete on a second hard drive on my machine, and like you, I was worried about losing my Windows info. Keep in mind that I am not a Linux Pro, but I think I can help at least a little. I went ahead and started the process WITHOUT using Lix4Win, and 7.2 recognized my existing partitions, asked which one I wanted Linux on, and allowed me to decide how big I wanted my root, swap, and home files BEFORE it ever erased a single byte. Throughout the installation, I was always assured of what was going to happen next, and was always told and warned if the next click would lead to erasure of a partition. Of course, you may want to use Lnx4Win since you are going to be using the same hard drive, and you can always go back later and change something, or re-install. I say go for it, and forget about the partition magic, just use 7.2. And remember, there's always that little helpful penguin at the bottom. If you try and are still unsure, you can still abort before reformatting that disk. Also, I don't think you can use FAT with Linux. Unless I am mistaken, I believe that's Windows' file system. And 7.2's install will take you right through creating that swap file. Trust me, this DrakX install is for us beginners. Like me, I think you'll be pleasantly suprised. Just start the install, and when (if) you get to a question that you can't answer, you can always stop - but I bet you won't have to.
firekillr
Originally posted by mowman:
Hello

I want to install Linux-Mandrake 7.2 on my laptop because it seems to be the most friendly distro for 1st timers like myself.

I want to know how I can first, finish my partitioning of the hard drive and still keep Windows98 and install Mandrake.

I used Partition Magic 6.0 to "resize" my FAT32 Partition from 30GB to 20GB and now I have some unallocated (or empty) space of 10Gb where I want to install linux.

Now where do I go from here? I'm thinking that you have to create a new partition for those 10Gb, but what kind? FAT or EXT2 And how do you create a SWAP partition?

Partition magic comes with some kinda wizard that is supposed to help, but I'm lost. It asks me whether you want the new partition to be logical or primary..."I dont know?" On top of this, Partition Magic also tells me that the new partition will be placed before the FAT32 partition. Will I lose my data with this much reshifting of files (i have over 16Gb of files in WIn98)

i really want this going soon! thanks

[mowman]

hey, i got mandrake up and running!

but....upon "startx" at the command promt, I get an error message stating that my hsync (horizontal) is incorrect. I have a 15" LCD and during X configuration during installation, I chose "generic LCD 1024x768"

How can I can the variables in XF86config?
My vid card is correct but my LCD screen isnt and I chose 4.0.1 over 3.3.6 w/ 3D ... was this a good choice?

Thanks

[winnotgoneyet]

Congrats on the install

do you have a manual with your laptop that gives you specs for either the display or tells which graphics chip you have on your laptop vid card??

Also I would suggest going in a lowering your setting to something like generic 640 * 480 8 bit color and then work your way up, that setting seems a little extreme for a small display?? (not sure though)
What is win98 set at and look for info on the vid card while your in there!!
Good luck

[mowman]

Ugh...there isn't much in the manuals.

I have an ATi Mobility-P 8MB that was correctly "probed"...as a matter of fact, I was able to do the graphical installation without any problems. My laptop is a Dell Inspiron 5000 with the 15" SXGA+ LCD which runs fine for me at 1024x768 in Windo (this LCD can go upto 1400x1050, but that is real small).

I've been going through the linux for laptop pages at: http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/kharker/linux-laptop/

...but I get real confused when reading other people's XF86config. I can see some people (with other distros) used "Generic LCD @ NNNNxNNN" and had no problems...where as others had to tweak this file or run Xconfigurator.

Again, not sure who makes the LCD...maybe IBM but I dont know which exact model or what screen timings are supported. I believe that Windows only tells me 60 HZ for Vsync, but unlike my desktop nVidia chip, these rates can't be changed and "I think" are very, very sensitive. As a matter of fact, one person has a warning label on his website stating that "You can blow up your monitor [with wrong timings]"....that seems a little scary.

And, I went to this page: http://www.nmt.edu/~eternal/i7500.txt
and found that he had similar problems...but how can I edit that XF86config file from the command prompt and change these timings?? I can see numbers that "fit" but others like in the MODELINE that don't make sense to me.

Thanks for any help...as you can see, I really need it http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/smile.gif

[winnotgoneyet]

Ok try XConfigurator from the prompt
If you get that to work, try a lower setting first then move up, I really don't know a lot about vid cards, but the install might have reconized your chipset but is looking for a desktop monitor, rather than an LCD??
Or your card is not fully supported under linux?
If so you should be able to get decent res at a lower setting while you figure this out
Also; be patient! the cool thing about this place is there is someone who will tell you exactly how to make it work but they might not come back on line for a couple of days!

[mowman]

I'm about to try running xConfig., no real rush here either http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/wink.gif

[mowman]

XConfigurator does not work...in either user or root. Do I have to be in a certain directory?

I also found out that my LCD screen is an IBM ITSX93 and the Panel clock is set at 107.859 MHz...whatever that means

Here is a bit of the error message I get when I "startx" from the log generated:

(WW) Cannot shadow an accelerated frame buffer
(--) Reference clock 29.000MHz
(II) Max Cloack 230.000 MHz

(WW) Mode "640x350" deleted (hsync out of range)

This last part continues for Modes "640x480", "800x600", etc...


Any ideas?

Should I reinstall Mdk again...maybe this time I'll choose XFree 3.3.6 with 3D or does 4.0.1 have 3D support?

If not, is it possible? (I would like to have 3D support, but its not necessary)

Which one supports my ATi Mobility better 3.3.6 w/ 3d or 4.0.1?


-------

sorry if I'm getting a little off topic from the partitioning/installation...ive already gotten the hang of that http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by mowman (edited 08 December 2000).]

[DodgeTrucs]

Originally posted by D-Termind:

No, mainly W-I-D-E graphics that end up running text WAY off the screen....

I am glad you posted this...how did you get screenshots during install?


In the "demos" section at www.linux-mandrake.com (http://www.linux-mandrake.com) it has a visual step by step of the install and other procedures. Pretty nice, you can go through the entire install and answer all your questions before plunging right into the install (helpful for 1st time Linux installers)
--- Charlie




[This message has been edited by DodgeTrucs (edited 08 December 2000).]

[mowman]

Anybody? Looking at my previous post...I want to know how I can get XConfigurator to work and get some info about the differences btw XFree86 3.3.6 with 3d and 4.0.1.

Thanks for any help that comes across.

[dunord]

Originally posted by DodgeTrucs:
I have not used Linux for too long, but I am also using Mandrake 7.2, and I have installed it on several computers in dual boot with 98. In my opinion Partition Magic is pointless, I have never needed to use it once. Mandrake comes with DiskDrake wich does the job of Partition Magic, do a "custom" install of Mandrake and then tell it you want to keep Windows... if your drive currently has 1 partition for Windows tell i you want to use the free space on the Windows drive, it has the option of automatically setting up your partition table, this will get you a working computer with both in dual boot. you can take a screenshot of your partiton table with DiskDrake again once its running and post it somewhere, and someone can ensure that its using good space, and allocated correctly.

Hello,
I was in Kissimee back in August for two weeks. Played a bunch of golf and did the theme park thing.
You seem like a good person to ask this question.

I am getting ready to install Mandrake 7.2. I have Amd Athlon processor and I am running with 256K ram and a 20.5 gig hard drive. I have the drive partitioned into two already, with nothing on the second partition except the Fat32 stuff. Can I tell the Mandrake installer to use that partition and reformat it for Linux?

[D-Termind]

Originally posted by dunord:
Hello,
I was in Kissimee back in August for two weeks. Played a bunch of golf and did the theme park thing.
You seem like a good person to ask this question.

I am getting ready to install Mandrake 7.2. I have Amd Athlon processor and I am running with 256K ram and a 20.5 gig hard drive. I have the drive partitioned into two already, with nothing on the second partition except the Fat32 stuff. Can I tell the Mandrake installer to use that partition and reformat it for Linux?

I know you meant this for him but I thought you might want a quick reply.

Yes...DiskDrake will see the partitions as you have them. Then when you click on the second one that you want to use, first you will want to "delete" it...it will turn off--white. Then while it is selected you will want to begin "create"'ing partitions.

You'll be able to "create" the ones you want just fine.

I have used DiskDrake about 15 times now and even though I have Partition Magic 6.0...I didn't even bother installing it the last time I re-did Windows.

If I have need to partition for any reason now I just break out the Linux-Mandrake CD's and use DiskDrake. EVEN if I am going to install a different distro. I use DD to get things ready.

I sure wish I knew how to put it on a floppy so I didn't have to mock install (and quit) to use it.


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[dunord]

DTermined,

Thanks for the quick response. I'm fine with that. Figured others might see the post and have something to say. Next question. DiskDrake will see the partition I want to use and set it up the way I want it with root, usr, home and such, but , since windows is already on the hard drive, will I still be able to set up a dual booter?