How can I wipe the hard drive between partitions?
 

I messed up the installation of Mandiva Linux as a dual boot system. It's such a mess that I'd like to erase it all and start over again. I can access the partitioned area with Knoppix, but I don't know how to wipe the disk. When I try to delete a file or directory, I'm denied permission. Furthermore, there are too many files to delete them individually.

Is there an easy way just to wipe out the whole mess so that I can reinstall Mandiva Linux, hopefully correctly this time?

Thank you.

i imagine there would be a way to delete/remake/format the partition during the mandriva install process. or else do it beforehand from knoppix or your other install (e.g., using cfdisk).

Just re-install, and put a filesystem (even same type) back over it.
All will be pristine and new.

If you *really* want to delete from knoppix, you have to (re-)mount them writeable. Knoppix mounts everything R/O to save you from yourself.