Ok, two questions. Is FAT32 capable of storing files over 2GB? Because every time I try to download the Fedora 7 iso, it automatically closes itself somewhere around the 2GB mark.

Also, is the NTFS file system, which I understand can support larger file sizes, compatible with RedHat 9? If so, is there a way I can change my FAT32 External HDD to NTFS without using windows? And can I change it back to FAT32?

No, the filesize limit of Fat32 is 2gb.

Your best bet may be to A) defrag the FAT32 partition. B) Resize it to make room for another type of partition such as NTFS if you are using windows. C) Create a new partition in the free space.

Are there any tools available to do that with Linux? I do have access to a box running XP, but I'd like to know how to do it on LInux as well.

Also, a question about using FDISK in DOS: Is it possible to split a hard drive into two partitions without erasing the existing data in the original partition?

jschiwal,

Shouldn't the filesize limit for fat32 be 4Gb?

Jinouchi,

You can download "gParted" or "Parted Magic" Live CD to resize M$ partitions reliably. Just use the latest version.

If you have Windows 2000 or XP, a "right-click" on the drive icon in an Explorer window (or, IIRC, in the "Computer" window, should bring up a "Disk Properties" window. One of the options in that window should be "Convert drive to NTFS." The conversion will preserve the data on the drive.

If you're not in too much of a hurry, there are vendors you can find via Google who will sell you a F7 installation DVD or CD set for (again, IIRC) about $12.

If you feel hurried, download the Fedora 7 "Live CD," boot it, and select the "Install from CD" option. That will get you a basic Fedora 7 installation with the yum repositories set up so you can update to the current kernel version and install any applications you wish.

Actually, going the "Live CD" route may be, in the long run, the best way to go, since installing from the ISO files you download will still require that you do a yum update to get your system up to date. So you'll be spending the same amount of time doing downloads after install whichever installation method you choose to use.

Thank you saikee for your advice

To PTrenholme: I have tried booting from the live cd, but I'm not sure what to do. After a few steps, I get the upside down flashing "!" and that's all it does. Is it downloading when it does that?

Also, about the "convert drive to NTFS option- are you able to convert only part of the drive like that? I use Windows 98 (when I have to) which, if I have been informed correctly, isn't compatible with NTFS so I'd like to have part NTFS and part FAT32.

Jinouchi,

You don't sound to have a need for a server so may be Fedora is too heavy for you because it is available in DVD. Why not try Ubuntu or Slax? and use them to do the download Fedora in Ext3 partitions?

If you are using Win9x depending on the version there might be a compatibility issue with fat16 which can only address to a maximum limit of 2Gb.

I have a Win98 SE installation on one of my multi-boot (XP, W98, Fedora, Mandriva) systems, and, IIRC, the W98 system has no problem accessing the XP NTFS drives. I don't recall if I had to install an NTFS driver, but, if I did, that driver must have been available, eh?