Want to switch from Mandrake to Mepis
 

I've been using mandrake for about a month and I like it, but it has a few problems. I have noticed lately that the software I have on here (like GTK for example) is somewhat out of date, and when I want to compile from source I have a lot of incompatibility. I am going to try Mepis linux, since it is Debian based (I would really like apt-get) and looks easy to use. I have already tried it in vmware, and it seems to work nicely and I am ready to install it on my computer. Here's my partition layout:

http://tinypic.com/2b7afd

The first partition is a 4.4 GB partition, which is the windows xp recovery partition that came on my HP computer. The next big one goes to windows (not the d drive, actually the c drive). Obviously, the last three are the linux partitions (all in a big extended partition). Here's what I plan on doing:[list=1][*]Boot into the mandrake cd in rescue mode and restore the windows boot manager[*]Boot into windows xp just to see if it worked allright[*]Reboot using Partition Magic floppy discs and delete the first partition and the extended partition with the linux partitions in it[*]Reboot using the Mepis live cd and install on free space leftover[/list=1]
Is this the right way to go about doing this?

Anyone?

Why not just update mandrake? the urpmi in MCC setup is easy to use.

The thing is that I've been using Debian in virtual pc, and I absolutely love apt-get.
Whatever, I'll try that first to see if it fixes any problems.

Umm... Mepis has a great partition tool, qtparted... try usign that.

Can that move an ntfs partition? I want to move the windows partition to the end of the drive.

I beleive it can, but don't quote me on that.. you might want to check it before you commit yourself.

if all esle fails you can always just boot into windows and use something like Partition magic. I wasn;t aware that the mandy cd could restore the windows bootloader (you can also do it with an XP disc, if you have the install disc and not just a HD image)

Well, I have a version of Windows XP that came with my computer (the one HP provides me with). I have a retail MSDN cd of Home and Pro, but I have read somewhere else here that the mandrake cd in rescue mode has the ability to restore the windows boot manager. Thanks for your help :)

With the stipulation that you use a version of Partition Magic that will work with NTFS .....use that. QTParted has reportedly had some probs with resizing them. Does everything else and is what I use exclusively....with the exception of NTFS volumes. :)

PS: Try mepislovers.org for a wonderfull forum and welcome to mepis!