Okay Linux Gurus I have a question.
I have a Win XP machine that is corrupted and will not load Linux. If I repartition the hard drive will it boot with a Linux start up disk?

 

Do you mean when you put the Linux cd into the drive, it doesn't boot to the Linux installer?

If it doesn't, make sure that your computer is set to boot from the CD drive first in the BIOS setup.

 

It boots but the xp is corrupted and it wont install all the way.

 

You are going to have to delete all the XP partitions probably, I see what you were talking about in the original post. Which "version" of Linux are you using? (Ubuntu, Red Hat, etc.) Almost all of them should come with a partition manager on the installer CD so that you can delete and create new partitions.

 

Usually the Partition Manager has a pick for completely wiping the hard drive and starting from scratch but if the Master Boot Record of the hard drive is corrupt then some manual intervention (through the PM) may be necessary.

FWIW, I've used Mandriva at home for years and at work where I run XP as a virtual machine so it can't screw things up as much.

 

I Miss Dos!!!!

 

Ubuntu 8.10

 

Try to do a reinstall of XP.Go through the routine as if it were a new install,don't stop at the repair console and at the last minute before the new install is selected it will detect an existing XP operating and offer to do a "repair" install.Select that and it will preserve all of your files and programs and it will fix all the corrupted operating system files for you.
If you have not run SFC yet I would do that first.Click start/run and type SFC /scannow in the box and start the scan.Don't forget the space between SFC and /scannow.Have your WinXP disk handy,you may be asked for it.
This is supposed to replace the corrupted files as well and if it works you will not have to do the repair install.
My favorite Linux distro is Mandriva.I dual boot some of my computers with it.Ron G

 

I am using OpenSolaris now, real nice. Sounds like you need to wipe your HD clean, then reload OS. A good program to do this is: http://www.dban.org/ You can test Linux on your computer by using a live CD, and see how it works.

 

I am giving up on this one. it was a freeby so I am out nothing looks like some parts for the spare bin.
Thanks for the help.
wonderwhatkindofholemy30,06willmakeinaDell?

 

Dont give up, dowload the disk wiper http://www.dban.org/ clean off HD, then download OpenSuse, burn to iso image , stick the disk in and have fun...its easy like windows..l

 

Thanks Old Hat But I did some digging on the dell and its RAM is only 254 and need 256 Bust have some dead brain cells.

 

If your computer shares the ram with anything else,like the video adapter for instance,it will not show up as useable ram in system.Ron G

 

yea you will need a lest 1 GB, most likely 2 GB to run it properly.