I have decided to try to run a web server, with a view to possibly, eventually, hosting my own website.

To test the water I downloaded ClearOS and SME Server with a view to installing on a spare partition and trying them out.

But, both installers seem to require the whole HDD to install into. Both installers have a warning saying that all partitions and drives attached to the PC will be erased in order to 'initialise' the HDD.

I must've installed 100 linux distros and i've never seen this before, including CentOS 5.5, which ClearOS is based on.

Why is this the case? Is there any way I can install alongside another linux installation?? I have tried vbox but it doesn't offer a proper sandbox really as there is only one NIC.

Thanks in advance

spoov

It isn't the case (unless you wanted something with a one-click-dont-have-to-know-or-read-anything installer) if you don't follow defaults which you shouldn't do anyway.

OK, so just to clarify, are you are saying I should ignore the big warning screen saying that my whole HDD will be erased if I continue; and that I will in fact get the chance to install into a ready-prepared partion later on in the installation process?

If this the case, then why do both installers have this incorrect warning screen, when the distro they are based on doesn't include it?

I'm saying that you should choose to partition the disk yourself using the "Create custom layout" option and not let Anaconda do it for you [1]. If selecting that option and pressing "Next" shows a warning then that is perfectly understandable as the action could result in partition b0rkage.

@unSpawn - What I am saying, pretty clearly I think, is that before I get anywhere near being able to create a custom layout, both installers give me the warning that my whole HDD is going to be erased if I continue - unlike CentOS's installer, which allows me to create a custom layout as normal.

I am well aware how to create custom partitions using anaconda, that is obviously not the problem as anyone who had read my posts properly would realise. Please don't post these annoying, pointless replies, nobody benefits from them.

Anyone actually got any experience of using these installers? Who can maybe answer my question/s?

I don't know ClearOS or SME Server, but some "server" distros possibly expect to be the only thing running on the server. Stupid, I know.

If you are worried about wiping your HDD, then back it up first. It is possible that when you get further into the install script(s), you'll be offered a "custom" partitioning scheme. I'd be surprised if this was not the case, but have learned to take a backup first. I haven't needed it yet, but one day....

Some install options are quite well hidden. For years, I hated the 'buntus because they always messed up my carefully-crafted bootloader. Then I noticed a tiny "advanced" button on one of the later windows, which led to "Install bootloader on MBR?", and I could choose NO, and do it myself, and get it right.

I had that same thing with ubuntu!

I will do as you suggest I think, back up my other installation and just give it a go - what's the worst that can happen. I don't understand why these server distros should be like this though; I thought there might be something vital I am missing.

I have never used ClearOS, just googled it and found this page:

http://www.ulverston.myzen.co.uk/min...ingClearOS.htm

In which the author list the steps to install a ClearOS, and the step to partition the drive is after the warning (actually according to that page there are several steps between the warning and the partitioning).

About vbox (I suppose you mean Sun's VirtualBox?) you could install ClearOS (or anything else) on a VM, with a /home dedicated partition, create some files there, then install ClearOS on top of it, preserving at least the /home partition. If all goes well, you have proof that the installer is capable of not wiping the HDD.

Anyways, backup first!

Thanks - I did an install in the end and the partitioning does happen after the warning. Quite strange this warning, as it is completely misleading. I can only assume that this is intended for people not used to installing and using alternative OSs to MS. MS users looking for a cheap server solution may not be aware of even the basics of partitioning, thinking that they are installing something on top of windows. Maybe.

Anyway, sorted now so cheers again

spoov.