Hard Drive Partitions for Linux Mandrake

[lost-and-found]

Do I have to re-partition or re-format my HD when installing Mandrake? I have one phsical 41GB HD. It is divided into two FAT32 Partitions. C: (2GB for Windows) and D(38GB for apps and games).
If I have to make a seperate partition for Linux, can I partition my D drive into one smaller (However much Linux takes up) and a big one without loosing any data on the D:?

I still want to dual boot to Windows.

[Praetorian]

I understand. With DiskDrake you can successfully resize a partition during installation. Run scan disk and defrag on the drive before you do so just in case something happens. I'd allow about 255mb for /, 3-4gb for /home (depends on what you'll be storing in there) and another 3-4gb for /usr. But, any more questions you should talk to someone who knows a little more than this Linux newbie.

[Praetorian]

Oh, and just in case, backup any data important data on the drive you'll be resizing. You know, just in case something happens.

BTW, if you'd like, choose expert install so you're sure your main drive isn't formatted. if you dont want to just dont mess with the main Windows partition. You'll see it. It'll be dark blue and when you click on it it'll say 2gb. Dont touch it!!! And just icase a dialog does come up asking you to format hda (I think thats the default name for the main partition) click no.

[lost-and-found]

Will I loose my current data on the D: Drive?

It is not all filled, only 9 gigs of the 38GB.

I'm by no means am an "expert", but I think the 255MB should be for "swap" and you can probably get away with just using about 4GB for "/". Even the most bloated Mandrake is only around 2GB. Those are the ONLY two partitions you actually need for a linux install.

I agree with the scan and defrag before attempting the install. Make sure you do an "expert" install. It's not that much different than a standard except you get to make some better choices. Pay close attention in the DiskDruid about not deleting you Windows partition and that you just want to use free space.

[Praetorian]

I forgot about that. No you shouldn't loose any data by just resizing it, but thats why I say backup. Just in case something does happen to your precious 1 and 0's.

Edit:

EvilRick - Just correcting ya. Now harm meant, but DiskDruid = Red Hat, DiskDrake = Mandrake.

[lost-and-found]

Ok, so all those 600mb movies and all my MP3s should be safe if I just partition from the free space.

Thanks

[Praetorian]

Yes, but....backup (unless you don't mind re-downloading all of them). If you're on a LAN just copy that stuff to free space on another computer. I've never resized a partition, so I'm not sure how easy and safe the process is but from what I hear you have no need to worry.

[subliminal message in ghostly voice]backup.......backup......[/subliminal message in ghostly voice]

Praetorian - Just installed RedHat 7.2 yesterday on a box, must have RedHat on the brain!

[lost-and-found]

[subliminal message in ghostly voice]backup.......backup......[/subliminal message in ghostly voice]

[hypnotized voice]Yes Master. Must remember to backup.[/hypnotized voice]