Linux install on XP system(2nd drive) Does the Recycle Bin get blown away?
 

Hi,

I want to Redhat(older 7.2) that will go on my 2nd(10Gb D:) drive which was just a backup for files from the C: drive. It will be a dual-boot PC.

XP is running on this PC and can't be mucked with.

Q: I want to format D: for Linux(ext3?) but don't know what will happen to the Recycle Bin that currently spans between C: and D: Can I just run the format and windows will cleanly deallocate the space?

If the filesystem type has to be ext3, unlike XP's NTFS, I can begin formatting D: as ext3 and begin installing. I have read about issues with the ext3 FS and have the workaround thanks to one of you guys, which may or may not apply here.

TIA,
doug
PS - I feel an FAQ coming my way...

===================================================
Here is the workaround for the error I mentioned.

Linux 7.3/XP Dual-boot bootup error
Pivotroot: pivot.root (/Sysroot,Sysroot/initrd) failed : 2

===================================================
The problem is that you have to rebuild the initrd image in /boot. This is because you're using an ext3 filesystem for / and ext3 is not built into your kernel.
First, note which version of kernel you intend to run when this hard disk boots.
Then boot off the CD in rescue mode and let the system mount the system under /mnt/sysimage.
Next:

# chroot /mnt/sysimage
# cd /boot
# mkinitrd -f -v initrd-kernelversion.img kernelversion
# exit
# exit


Replace "kernelversion" with the kernel you want to boot. E.g., for the latest FC1 kernel:

# mkinitrd -f -v initrd-2.4.22-1.2199.nptl 2.4.22-1.2199.nptl


Pop out the CD and try to boot the hard disk.
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- Rick Stevens, Senior Systems Engineer

1) Windows will handle the recycle bin issues without any user intervention. Information regarding deleted files remains on the drive from which they were deleted. Windows just pools the information and calls it the recycle bin.

As long as everything on the second drive is expendable, reformat it however you want. It’s no different than pulling out a removable drive.

2) Yes, you are screwed with respect to ext3 support and need to take in a kernel that supports ext3. Why not just start with a distribution that supports ext3, if that’s what you want to use?

Or just use ext2 and put up with the extensive checking after an unscheduled shutdown. Also, it’s easy to convert ext2 to ext3, so you can make the jump to ext3 at a later date.


Live long and prosper.

RHL version with ext3 kernel?
 

I am closer to understanding what is needed.

You suggested going to ext3, the later kernel, which may not be available with my boxed RHL 7.2 SW.

Q: By making the D: drive accessible for just running RHL7, do I need to format this disk that is currently formatted as FAT32?
When I view the desktop's "My Computer" and right click on D: > format > File System(dropdown box) the choices are either NTFS or FAT32.

Q: Can I download a RHL version from a website as an executable?

Q: Which version would be a good choice right now and does this kernel get loaded on install?

plz help and tia,
doug

1. if you want and "old" linux (i.e RH7.2) it's just better to forget about ext3 and use ext2, you won't have any problems!!

2.it'd be better to download the images of a uptodate linux (is you like RH, so you should download fedora core) i.e . from here: http://iso.linuxquestions.org/version.php?version=88 or anywhere else on the net, burn the discs and boot from the disk1, when intalling tell him to manually decide where to install and select the partiotion which you call "D:" and ask him to formatt it for you. all'd be ok!!

Cheers!

One of the “joys” of using linux is that you will need to develop some understanding of drive partitioning and file systems. Billy Boy made all the decisions for you in the past.

You should delete the partition(s) on the second drive and reformat it using whatever file system is commonly used with the distribution you select.


Regarding what to install, I agree with bdox. You should start with a more modern distribution, especially if your hardware is less than 2 years old.

Everyone recommends whatever they are using, so you get the idea that they all work. If you want to use a RedHat or Fedora version, look at the installation manuals on the RedHat site (see Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) or Red Hat Linux (RHL) at http://www.redhat.com/docs/). The RHEL4 manuals can be used for the Fedora series. After all, RHEL4 is essentially FC2 with the bugs fixed.

As a rule of thumb, it takes about 6 months to a year before the most cutting edge distributions support new hardware (e.g., SATA-II support). So, if you want to use an older distro, you should try to use one that was discontinued at least a year after your system was built.

If you have broadband access, getting distributions is fairly simple from LQ (http://iso.linuxquestions.org/) or by going to one of the more extensive mirrors on the fedora mirror list (http://fedora.redhat.com/download/mirrors.html), working your way up the content tree and finding the distro you want in iso format. Updates are often available from the same mirrors for the older distros, like RHL9.

You can also order the CDs online for very little cash or buy a how-to book (a.k.a. “...Bibles...”) that comes with them. Just do a Google search for “order linux cd”.