Will the disk partitioning software in the installer for Fedora Core 4 delete my existing files and windows OS? If not I can install it now but if it will delete what is already on there I'll need to buy a new hard drive

Can anyone tell me how to use it without deleting my stuff?
Thanks in advance!

Well, before you make any changes to your partitions make sure you backup EVERYTHING that you don't want to lose. '
Do you want to resize your existing partition to make space for fc4? Or do you have a unused partition alrady?
Some more info please.

Yes, Fedora has the ability to re-size your existing partitions non-destructively, however, like ctkroeker has stated. It is always a good idea to backup sensitive data before doing any partitioning.

Here is a good guide:
http://fedora.redhat.com/docs/fedora...titioning.html

KC

I have windows xp pro on my system on my disk. There are no other partitions on there apart from the one that hold windows and that fills the entire disk.

So what you are saying is that technically it shouldn't wipe my stuff but just in case to back up all my really important stuff? Does that mean my files such as pics, word documents etc or does that mean everything??
Thanks

It depends on what you have on that second partition. If it holds your files (docs, pics, sounds, etc) then it would be a good idea to make a backup anyhow. You never know if/when that HD is going to fail.

If it's currently empty, I would still backup your critical files on the other partition for good practice. Then I would use the FC4 partitioner in the installer. I would recommend using the automatic partition wizard, however make sure to tick the checkbox at the bottom so you can view what the wizard is doing and make changes if necessary. I'm always leary of wizards.

Hope that helps!

-D

I only got one partition tho. It fills my whole disk [unless windows does odd things with partitions I don't know about, and I wouldn't be surprised!]

Backing up all my files onto a laptop I have. Then it's on to installing linux! WOO!! Right I'll use the partitioner there, use the wizard but check it before it does it.

Thanks you guys, you've been ever so helpful!

Sorry - must have misread the previous post.

If you're using windows and there is only one partition, I would recommend using partition magic to roll back the partition you currently have. It's very easy to use - you can make as many partitions as you want in any size. I've used it a number of times.

http://www.soft32.com/download_151.html

-D

Will the partitionin thig in fedora not do that for me?
I will have to buy that you see and I'm very strapped for cash at mo

It will allow you to create new partitions, however I'm not sure what it will do to the partition table for windows. Whenever I've done a dual boot I've formatted the drive using the windows installer, and split the drive into partitions with that.

My suggestion would be to backup and see what happens. Best case - it will work without problems! Worst case, it won't work, you will have to install windows again.

-D

OK then, I'll have a think on what to do [the easiest and cheapest non risky solution might be to buy an new hard drive and stick it on that] and I might have a try in the morning. Thanks for your help i'll let you know what i decide and what happens!

This is what happened:
I backed up all my stuff and tried installing. When it got to the partitioner it wouldn't let me do it. I will either need to buy a new hard drive to but linux on or partition magic to resize my existing windows partition. Either one means spending money, which I'm a little short of at the moment I shall need to save up my pennies!
Ahh well, at least I know my DVD has burnt properly

If you have a WindowsXP or 2000 disc, you can create new partitions with the included installer. You will of course lose your current OS - but you backed up your files now so I would give it a go.

This is what I did most recently.

I have one 40Gb HD installed on this computer. I inserted the WinXp disc and let the installer run. I removed the current partition and created three new partitions. I made two 12Gb partitions for the Operating Systems (one for windows, and one for linux). The third and last partition I used for common file storage between the two operating systems.

Install Windows on the first partition.
BEFORE installing Linux on the second partition, format the THIRD partition (file storage) using fat32 FS.
-This way both operating systems can write to the partition.
Install Linux on Second Partition.
-Mount Third Partition to whatever location you desire using vfat. (I used umask=0022 when I mounted so all users could write to that partition).

Patch Linux and Windows Respectively.

-D

Right. I managed to get hold of partition magic and repartitioned it using that. I think it's a good idea having a common files partition i will probably do that at some point.
I now have Fedora core 4 on my hard drive!! I'm using it now! I am pleased with it so far. I can't connect to any of the computers on our network tho at the moment. I shall have to do some investigating and tweaking. I need the Lisa daemon installing and running apparently
but it's good!

Right I can connect to my network, which is good.
Now fedora won't recognize my partition for my files. It isn't anywhere to be found! Hmm
Can anyone help?

Did you mount the partition?