Install Fedora Core over Red Hat?

[Jayzon]

My compy currently has Red Hat 9 installed and Windows (on the same HD). Will it be possible to install Fedora within the partition that Red Hat currently uses? Also, when I partitioned my HD I left a 15gb chunck that is supposed to be used by both OS's (in Fat 16, I believe), anyway, will the new distro recognize that partition and allow me to read/write/execute files from it? Thanks linuxforums people...your help is always top notch!

[Cabhan]

During the FC installer, it should give you the option to erase all existing Linux partitions and use that space. Just make sure that you backup your files on a seperate device (like a USB key) so you can transfer 'em.

And if FC doesn't automatically recognize your FAT partition, post up again, and we can help you out.

[Jayzon]

::considering Mandriva over Fedora:: would this distro recognize the "Shared" Partition? (which is, btw, FAT32, not 16) I just took one of those linux chooser tests and it told me I should go with Mandriva...fedora was like number 4 on the list.

when you spoke of backing up files..were you referring to my files on Linux or Macrohard?

[Jayzon]

will mandriva give me the option to use existing linux partitions? What's the risk in this to damaging my windows file system? Cuz I have like 10gigs of stuff to back up if the risk is above minimal. thx.

[eugrus]

Yes. Fedora will provide you to update existing RedHat9 system.

[Jayzon]

sorry, maybe I wasn't clear. I meant: will mandriva recognize the existing linux partition and intstall over it?

[budman7]

Yes, Mandriva will recognize the Linux partition, and will write over it. It will also ask you if you want to use your current swap space.
It wll also setup a dual-boot wuth Windows.
Risk is less than minimal. As long as you read what the installer is asking you to do at the prompts, and don't just hit next.
I learned that from personal experience. You can screw things up if you don't make good choices.