Can't access /dev/hda1

[asden]

I'm running a Windows ME/RH Linux 7.3 dual boot system on the same hard drive.

Both systems come up and act fine for the most part.. I'm getting zero hassles from Windows, but I can't access the Windows partitions from Linux...

I thought you were supposed to be able to do this?

I go to a command line and type:

/dev/hda1 (or 5; a logical drive on an extended partition)

and in reply the system tells me:

bash: /dev/hda1; Permission denied

Basically, I can't get my modem working in Linux, so I download the drivers with Windows in hopes of pulling the drivers off the Windows partition while working in Linux. This won't work if I can't reach the Windows partitions!

The help file also mentions the use of linxuconfig, which apparently does not exist on my system. Use of the command on the command line generates a file not found reply, and searching for the file comes up with nothing.

The help file also mentions /etc/fstab - editing this by hand to give a user access to /dev/hda1 or other devices... but I can't find /etc/fstab anywhere on my system, either.

What am I doing wrong?

I installed Linux with an eta3 (e??3.. I remember it was the 3, but I forget the exact lettering) partition, if that makes any difference. Windows ME is using a Fat32 partition.

[jhoegl]

I am not sure if this will work, but did you try access it via root?

It might be because you have NTFS, or do you?

[asden]

I didn't mention it, but yes.. I am logged in as root when I attempt to do this.

Or did you mean something else by "from root"?

And no, Windows NT uses NTFS.. I'm using Windows ME, with Fat32.

[chris_i386]

If you want to access another partition in Linux, you need to mount it somewhere.
First create your mountpoint:
mkdir /windrive
then mount your windows drive to /windrive:
mount -t vfat /dev/hda1 /windrive
I think you can leave out the -t vfat, but I'm not sure.
After that you can 'see' the content of your windows drive in the windrive directory.
If you want these changes to stay even after a reboot, you need to open the /etc/fstab file with a text editor and add the following line:
/dev/hda1 /windrive vfat rw,umask=0 0 0

[asden]

That works! Thank you!