How do I wipe my windows partition, and keep my Linux?

walterbyrd · 07-21-2005, 11:16 PM

Hi,

I'm dual booting Windows 2003/AS and Debian 3.1. I am using grub as my boot loader.

I want to wipe the Windows side, and re-install it. But, I don't want to disturb the Linux side.

Of course Windows is going to over-write the boot record. But I think there's a way set it back.

I have a Knoppix 3.3 cdrom, if that's any help.

titanium_geek · 07-21-2005, 11:46 PM

right. First of all, you need to back up your data. install grub on a floppy: http://www.gnu.org/software/grub/man...0boot%20floppy

install windows. get it all set up, then plug in the floppy and then reinstall grub on the MBR.

To look at your partition table, put in the knoppix cd and at the first prompt type knoppix 2 <enter> and then use cfdisk /dev/hda to have a look.

this should be a simple exercise- you also want a boot disk for debian incase things get messy.

blessings for your endeavour!
titanium_geek