deleting suse linux 9.1

[graham123]

I have an old Dell laptop that I haven't used for a few months. I need it now for a specific project at work, the problem is that there is an old version of Suse-Linux which I am trying to delete, to no avail.

I have tried installing another o/s in the hope that it will give me the option to format the hd, this has not worked. I have also tried fdisc as suggested in the help section this also does not work. Has anyone any suggestions please?

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

You should be able to install another version of Linux right over the old partitions, without the need to manually delete the old installation. If that won't work, you could use the PartedMagic LiveCD to delete the old partitions:

Parted Magic

[techieMoe]

I have an old Dell laptop that I haven't used for a few months. I need it now for a specific project at work, the problem is that there is an old version of Suse-Linux which I am trying to delete, to no avail.

As ozar said, you shouldn't have to delete the existing OS before you install a completely new one. The installer for your new OS should give you the option to wipe out the old and create new partitions on its own.

I have tried installing another o/s in the hope that it will give me the option to format the hd, this has not worked. I have also tried fdisc as suggested in the help section this also does not work. Has anyone any suggestions please?

You need to give us more details than "it didn't work." What, specifically, did you try? What distribution were you attempting to install, and at what point did you have trouble? Were there errors? If so, post them here. Help us help you.

[graham123]

I have tried installing win98, prior to buying Vista or XP.

The win98 folders are displayed but I can not get any further - I can see no obvious path to an 'fdisc' command.

[deltaflyer]

if i remember correctly, first you need to change the boot order in your bios, make the cd/dvd the first boot device.once done,insert your windows disc & reboot your p.c./laptop. the disc should then boot & give you 3 options

1 ) help ( or something similar )
2 ) boot with cd-rom support
3 ) boot without cd-rom support

the wording may be different ( been about 3-4 years since i used windows ) boot to either the second or third option,which should bring you to a dos prompt. you can then run fdisk or whichever tool you require

[graham123]

Deltaflyer - I am a complete novice! How do I change the boot order in the bios?

I find Suse extremely difficult to understand, I think (too late!!) that you have to be a bit of an expert to understand how to use this operating system. Bad as Windows might be it at least it is straight forward for people like me who just want their computer to perform without having to have a degree in computer science!

The more threads I read the more complex this whole Linux thing is!

I think the easiest option would be to buy a new hard drive from Ebay and steer clear of Linux!!

[deltaflyer]

to change the boot order in your bios, you need to press either del,f2 key or whatever it says on your boot screen. del is more popular,once in the bios,look for boot order & move your cd-rom/dvd to the top of the boot order. sometimes this option comes under the Advanced menu.Linux isn't really hard,it's just a case of thinking outside the box. the more you use it, the easier it becomes. my 10year old daughter uses it everyday & complains to the school I.T. department that windows is a pain in the a** when it crashes & keeps pestering them for linux perseverance is the key & try not to rush the way you do things. any problems, the forum is here to help. if you want pure SuSE help, have a read of these forums SuSE Linux Forums (Powered by Invision Power Board) & SUSE Forums (Powered by Invision Power Board) i frequent these more often. i only come here on the odd chance of helping

[Jonathan183]

Deltaflyer - I am a complete novice! How do I change the boot order in the bios?
...

The more threads I read the more complex this whole Linux thing is!

I think the easiest option would be to buy a new hard drive from Ebay and steer clear of Linux!!

I understand you are frustrated but BIOS setup would also be a problem with Windows.

When you put your Windows 98 CD in the machine and try to boot the system does it come up with a Windows 98 menu screen with options something like ...
1. Start Windows 98 with CD support.
2. Start Windows 98 without CD support.

....etc. or does it start SUSE Linux?

[graham123]

Deltaflyer - Again, thanks! I will persevere.

Jonathan183 - When I boot the computer it goes right thru the bootup sequence, I enter u/n and p/w and get to desktop. When I put the win98 disc in a new window appears just showing the individual folders as mentioned before.

I never see the 2 options you mention above.

Incidently, I have an installation disc for suse-linux 10.3. When I put that in nothing what so ever happens! The cd drive makes a whirring sound and the green light comes on and I think...'Good, at last something is happening'... Then...nothing!!

It seems that my version of linux has locked my computer down completely - very frustrating.

[deltaflyer]

i can see what is happening now.what you need to do is this :-

1 ) place windows disc in cdrom/dvd drive
2 ) re-boot the pc/laptop
3 ) enter bios using the del/f2 or whatever key is needed
4 ) set your boot options to cd/dvd
5 ) save & exit or press f10, which normally does the same.
6 ) if the cd is bootable, it should boot to the cd with the above mentioned options

hopefully this will help