Before I do something I'll regret...

[RedFury]

I'd like affirmation of what I am about to embark on.

I plan on running dual boot Win98SE and Mandrake 9.1 ( thanks Crouse )

I've got a 40 and 15 gig installed, using the 15 as back up of most of the files I download and install.

The plan is to install Linux on the second drive, but can I do this without formatting the second drive, or do I need to save all my stuff on that drive onto disc's first because I'll otherwise lose them in the install process of Linux?

The plan was to just pop in the first disc and install to D:, but I'm second guessing myself before I lose a lot of data.

[Xeroid]

So you want to keep windows on the 40gig and keep your backup files on the 15gig? How much free space do you have on the 15gig? You can resize your Windows partition on the 15gig during the Mandrake install to make room for Linux on that drive. Just make sure to follow directions and run scandisk and defrag on the drive before attempting to install Mandrake.

I like to keep my Linux install on a seperate drive by itself. It just keeps things simpler that way. You will need to install the bootloader (lilo or grub) during the install. This way you get a menu when you boot that allows you to choose which OS you want to load. And don't forget to create the Linux emergency boot disk during the install process.

[RedFury]

Sounds like the plan. I'll just split the second drive in half...dang...I'm going to need to get a bigger HDD!

I assume that the Mandrake install is pretty straight forward as far as options to choose then.

[Xeroid]

Piece of cake. Here are a couple of links for you. The install demo is a little dated but most stuff still applies.

9.0 Install Demo

Hardware Database

[ArcticFox]

I'd advise using Partition Magic to split the drive - it's easier and no reformatting necessary.

Also, it would be a good idea to back up your data before this operation. Sure, I've done so many partitions without doing this that I've lost track, but it's just a good habit to get into.

[enekomeg]

On Mandrake you do not need to format the HDD, there is an option called Disck Druid, that It checks the HDD for empty space and it can creat partitions in base of that free space.

Cool, isn't it?????

[RedFury]

sweet, I'll look into that...thanks guys...Linux just keeps sounding better and better. Seems the fanbase is the best source of advertising and marketing