Filesystem Type

dj_dubbbz · 03-12-2005, 06:30 PM

I'm installing Debian (from a Knoppix CD) dual boot with Win98. I'm installing it on a small drive (around 4G). Because I'm installing it on such a small drive, I would like to partition the drive with a small fat32 partition for Win98, and put Linux on another larger partition.

The problem is I may end up installing some large apps on Win. Is it possible to install Debian on a fat32 partition? I'm not talking about installing them on the same partition, but rather installing them both on separate fat32 partitions. That would allow me access my linux partition from windows.

If it is not possible to install Linux on a fat32 partition, is there anyway I can enable windows to access some type of linux partition.

Interaction between the two OS'es is really important. I know I could make a fat32 partition for windows, a partition for linux, and a fat32 partition for the two to share, but wouldn't that be difficult with such a small drive.

As you can tell, I'm lost and any help would be appreciated.

reddazz · 03-12-2005, 06:53 PM

Wy don't you install Windows XP on an NTFS partition, Debian on a reiserfs or ext3 partion. You should then create an FAT32 partition that both Windows and Debian can read and write to, for sharing common files you require when using either of the two.

dj_dubbbz · 03-12-2005, 06:59 PM

Like I said earlier:

Quote:

I know I could make a fat32 partition for windows, a partition for linux, and a fat32 partition for the two to share, but wouldn't that be difficult with such a small drive.

reddazz · 03-12-2005, 07:58 PM

I believe my answer would still work, but obviously since you are installing win 98, you can create two FAT partitons, one for Windows and one to share with Linux. Brcause of the space limitations, you may need to install a minimal Linux system and obviously only necessary packages for windoze. An alternative would be to create a directory on windows that Linux can access.

dj_dubbbz · 03-12-2005, 08:02 PM

Ok, I'll try that, but just for my information, is there any way to install linux on fat, or read a ext3 from window$?

reddazz · 03-12-2005, 08:29 PM

Linux can be installed to FAT, but I am not sure about windows reading ext3, try doing a google search.

bitt_u · 03-13-2005, 01:11 AM

if you want to use windows applications then why are you installing linux. anyways i think there is no need to have an extra common fat32 partition. you can save your windows file on linux partition if you want and try explore2fs a windows option for viewing linux folders.