Format Linux drive

[Confused]

I have a 13G HD with Linux on it that I want to format and use for WIN98. Using Fdisk drive shows a partition C: 1, Status A, Type as PRI DOS, 5499M, System Unknown and Partition 2, Type EXT DOS, 7562M

I'm trying to get drive to one partition of 13G that I can format and do a test load of a backup of WIN98 that I made with Ghost.

I've tried several things but I believe the Linux that is loaded is the problem.

How would be the best way to wipe this thing clean and start over?
Chas

[HAL9000]

Get a zero fill utility from the drive manufacturer.

[Redo40]

Deleting the partitions and starting over is the best way I found. Maybe someone else knows a better way, I don't.

[reboot]

You just have to remember that Linux is a non-dos partition, so select option 4 to see what's what, then option 3 to remove partition, then remove a non-dos extended partition, then remove logical partition, then remove primary partition, then start over and create primary.

[Confused]

I was trying what you suggested Jim and it kept giving errors such as Fdisk stating that I couldn't delete Extended partition because a logical partition exist. I would try to delete that and it would come back and say no logical drives found.

Gave up and did as Hal suggested and downloaded diagnostic from Maxtor and am now in process of writing zero fill.

Thanks
Chas

[aym]

For reference:
Windows fdisk fails to delete Linux Partitions, if you want to delete non-Windows partitions, use an app called DelPart (do a Google search)
Another option is using Linux fdisk.

[Confused]

Thanks Aym, I just downloaded the diagnostics from Maxtor and did a low level format. Worked fine.
Chas

PS
Aftward I was able to do a restore with Ghost. Worked great after I finally figured out that I needed to create the diskettes with CD and CDRW support. Backe up my WIN98 and restored after getting the Linux problem resolved.

[aym]

np
So you didn't like Linux? Or you have it on another system?

[Confused]

Not really. Linux is not quite ready for prime time. I guess I'm spoiled. I'm used to dropping a CD in, installing and running apps. I just never got comfortable installing and getting things running. I hope someday the different distros come to a meeting of minds and create a viable alternative to Windows. I am willing to pay for such a OS.

Some competition would be good. We would probably wind up with a better OS than we have now at a cheaper price. Look what competition has done for the CPU, HD, mobo, ect. market.

Right now the only alternative for windows afor the average user such as myself is a MAC and I refuse to go that route because of the proprietary Apple PC's.
Chas

[aym]

Maybe you are right, Linux isn't as easy to use as Windows, but it's on the way to become an option for normal users.