Ok, Using Kubuntu Dapper...

I did a bunch of stuff to try and increase preformance (recompile kernel, initNG etc.) and kinda messed up my system- it still works but its not clean.

so i've backed up all my data and want to reinstall- but I cannot erase my disk.

On QTparted when trying to access /dev/hda I get:

Critical error during ped_disk_new!

When I right click /dev/hda in qtparted and select "Make new partition Table", It says

It was not possible to make a new partition table.

When I run cfdisk- i get:
When I run fdisk /dev/hda- i get:

What Is wrong? I read someware about bad disk geomatry- but if that is the case how do i fix it?

I also read that it could be of failed disk, but my partitions still work when I boot into them.

Any Ideas?

ps: i have tried using the Kubuntu Dapper live cd, and on DSL also.

hmm check ide/power connections etc. also go to the harddrive manufactures website and you can download a program to check you harddrive out to see if it works. You put it on a floppy and then boot from the floppy. BEcause if it is busted you dont want to waste any more time with it.

thx for the reply, but I fixed it.

I downloaded a program called gpart, it guesses the partition table of a hard drive and writes it to the disk. Then I was able to go in with fdisk (qtparted and cfdisk still didn't work) and wipe the partition table clean.

Strange, don't know what caused it...