Windows setup can't see Linux partition-how to remove partition?

[vetteguy]

I recently purchased a used Dell server from a member on the boards here. It has 2 SCSI drives-an 18GB primary and 36GB secondary. The primary has a 9GB partition where Linux is installed, and the other 9 is unpartitioned. When I boot off the Windows Advanced Server CD, it only sees the first drive as having 9GB of unpartitioned space. I realize that it can't see the Linux partition. My questions are:

1. How can I get rid of the Linux partition? The Linux installation is not working right, so I can't get in. Can I boot off of a floppy to do this?
2. Ideally I want to dual-boot Adv. Server and Redhat 8. In the FAQs it says I should make a Windows partition and a Linux partition, then work the magic from there. If I leave everything as it is, install Windows to the "free" 9GB, will the existing Linux partition work for Redhat?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Nothinman]

It should see the Linux partition, it should be listed as unknown, damaged, something. If it's not I would first suspect a Windows driver issue.

Generally for a dual boot you install Windows first and install Linux second so you can use the Linux bootloader to boot both OSes.

 

[vetteguy]

Originally posted by: Nothinman
It should see the Linux partition, it should be listed as unknown, damaged, something. If it's not I would first suspect a Windows driver issue.

Generally for a dual boot you install Windows first and install Linux second so you can use the Linux bootloader to boot both OSes.

Well I'm not sure, but I know that the linux boot loader will fire when I boot the machine, but when I boot off the Windows CD it only sees one partition. I just installed 2000 so I'm going to see what happens.

 

[vetteguy]

Ok, I'm just an idiot. Apparently it's not an 18GB drive, it's a 9. Color me stupid!

 

[earthman]

If you could boot from a floppy and use fdisk it should show all partitions, Windows or not, but you seem to have found the problem.