Ok chaps, here’s the rubs:
100GB Internal HD
>Windows XP 85GB Partition (On extended Partition)
>>>>ALL MY DATA–CAN’T BACKUP (no external HD) OR LOSE IT
>>>>NTFS
>>>>Thought to resize it, but Paragon HD manager says launcher.exe crashed when I tell it to, and Partition Magic 8 can’t get past how the other partition is “invalid”, but I can still access the data through explorer. Even linux live disc can read it.
>Remaining 8GB Partition
>>>>Ntdetect.com, ntldr, and boot files. WTF???
>>>>For some reason, recognized as invalid by Paragon Hard Disk Manager Pro 2009
>>>>Can still read through windows xp…WTF?? [again]
>>>>Would like to install OpenSuse on here.
>>>>NTFS
Could you please reiterate on what you’re trying to do here?
Do you want to install openSUSE over the 8GB of space taken up by the partition with the ntdetect.com and boot files? Or are you looking to shrink your windows partition to make room for openSUSE?
I want to install on the 8GB, which I think would be the smartest (and what I would rather do), but I can’t format it because it’s a boot partition (WHICH IS GAY), and Partition magic doesn’t load due to the fact that it is recognized as invalid, but I can cut/copy/delete files from and to the 8gb. I did a chkdsk on it and it’s fine.
Are you sure that this partition is a boot partition and not a recovery partition? I have a Dell Dimension Desktop and a Dell Inspiron laptop and each one had a recovery partition that had boot files and such in them but I was able to safely delete the recover partitions and use them for openSUSE.
I’ve never used Partition Magic or any other partitioning tool so I’m not sure how it stacks up against those, I just know this worked for me on numerous occasions.
Yes. It isn’t a recovery partition. It is a data partition on which I kept some of my pictures. I can still access it through explorer. Thanks muchly for the link! I’ll give it a try and repost (hopefully from this computer :))
nickadeedoo wrote:
> I want to install on the 8GB, which I think would be the smartest (and
> what I would rather do), but I can’t format it because it’s a boot
> partition (WHICH IS GAY), and Partition magic doesn’t load due to the
> fact that it is recognized as invalid, but I can cut/copy/delete files
> from and to the 8gb. I did a chkdsk on it and it’s fine.
i have three suggestions:
8GB is just not enough room, i predict you will soon be sorry if
you try to make it fit…
forget windows based partitioner toys, do it the right way:
a. boot from a known good openSUSE install DVD, and see if the
partitioner built into it can find an install solution…it may tell
you that you don’t have room…
b. before you do that, read the info here (paying particular
attention on how to make sure you have good install media): http://tinyurl.com/6jwtg9
d. make a complete and full backup of all existing partitions before
you begin
learn another way to express your frustrations…that is, not all
things which you don’t understand or can’t make the work you think it
should, are best termed as “GAY”…
Just because it’s a windows based tool does not mean it’s a wrong way. I’ve used it for windows xp and windows vista successfully on numerous occasions.
The reason I asked him to use a windows based partition tool is because windows is familiar to him. He can get the dirty work done there and then let openSUSE install flawlessly without having to worry about resizing.
2d. The OP has already stated that he cannot backup his data due to lack of an external hard drive.
I also agree with you.
@nickadeedoo
That being said, your best option would be to delete that 8GB partition then shrink your windows partition to make room for openSUSE. 8 GB would be pretty hard to fit all your programs and documents in.
If it’s okay for your windows side to have 75GB or even 70GB, your openSUSE side will benefit from having an extra 10 to 15 GB.
You can use that partitioning tool I recommended to delete the 8GB partition then re-size your windows partition. If you have any questions on how to use it just ask.
Let me just say you guys are being a big help, and I appreciate your efforts to help. Also, I can’t get rid of my windows. I have to have it, albeit it does make the situation alot more difficult.
@deConficter
Well, all I need is to install it and audacity, then I’m golden. I really only need it to record music. I’m not gonna be browsing the net or really doing anything I’d need space for. I will be storing the music on the windows partition.
^^ and also, I’ve installed openSuse many times, and other linux(es), so I know my way around the console and stuff.
Sorry.
@ijbreaky
Even the tool you gave me won’t let me delete the partition. It has the option, but it is not selectable. Also, the C: drive is on an extended partition (which…why??), and the 8gb is primary. So i cant’ delete it because it’s the only primary. I’ll look for ways to make a logical partition into a primary. Paragon has the option, but again, it won’t do anything on a reboot for some reason.
Thanks for all your help guys, I hope this gets resolved.
If a partition contains the files ntdetect.com, ntldr and boot.ini, it’s normally the first physical partition on the drive and is the windows boot partition. If you do anything fundamental to it like formatting it or deleting, the computer will not be able to boot into windows.
The only realistic way to install Suse and keep windows on the drive is to install it to unpartitioned space that you need to create after the two partitions already discussed (the 8Gb and the 85Gb).
So there seem to be some key things:
be very careful about manipulating the 8Gb primary partition. The best policy for that is to leave it alone.
shrinking the 85Gb partition should make room to install Suse+audacity
8-9 Gb will do it OK provided it’s just for Auadacity.
Don’t allow the Suse installer to make a /home partition – just create a root and a swap partition with the split of the 8-9 Gb between them depending on the computer’s RAM.
Also, the C: drive is on an extended partition (which…why??), and the 8gb is primary. So i cant’ delete it because it’s the only primary. I’ll look for ways to make a logical partition into a primary. Paragon has the option, but again, it won’t do anything on a reboot for some reason.