Been a while since I installed Linux and when I bought my new computer, I partitioned the drive with the knowledge I'd install Linux in the future. I'm having trouble though since the partition I want to install on is on hdb1 not hda. The first problem is, I used cfdisk to create my partitions, but after ok'ing the write (and confirmed by fdisk -l), setup is still telling me it's an NTFS partition. I say this, because when I select my target partitions, it only gives me the options to include my main drive and backup drive to fstab as NTFS partitions. So, I guess I have two questions, how should I insure that the partitions stick, and how do I indicate for setup to use hdb not hda as the primary disk?

1) What tells cfdisk if you call it with "cfdisk /dev/hdb"? Does it show you hdb2 as NTFS or what? If it is not Linux native, change the type (command called "Type" in cfdisk, just type the "T" letter) and change it to "83". To be sure reboot at this point from the Slackware CD.

2) You don't have to do special things to tell the Slackware installer to use hdb -- if asked for a root ("/") partiton for your Slackware just choose /dev/hdb2 or whatever you like. All available Linux partitions should be offered at this point in a menu (but be cautious not to choose the wrong one, because in the next installation step you will be asked to format the partition).

ok, this might be where I was screwed up. I was running cfdisk /dev/hdb1, which created Linux partitions like /dev/hdb1p1. So, after running it on /dev/hdb, I changed the proper partition to Linux(83). My new question is, should I just delete this partition and partition the drive like hdb1, hdb2, etc. Or cfdisk hdb1 again to get partitions like hdb1p1?

Hm, I have to admit I have no clue what the hdb1p1 scheme is, tells me nothing (maybe a *BSD slice?). To install Linux AFAIK you need hdb1, hdb2 .... If you could wipe hdb it would be the most simple thing I guess. Start cfdisk, delete these hdb partitions (no need to reboot here) and create some new ones. Be sure that they are type 83. Then reboot and go on with installation.

Hi,

First, the device file is /dev/hdb. This device can be divided into partitions with either 'fdisk' or 'cfdisk'. My preference is 'fdisk'. When you write the partition information (partition table) you should reboot to ensure that the partition table is updated.

I like too format my partitions before a install. I confirm the validity of the partitions and also label the partitions to help with maintenance.

Linux Partition HOWTO is a good reference to read.

As for the device designation during the install/setup, you are given the opportunity to choose the device for installation.