[LBo] SUSE Linux 10.0 Partitioning Dangerous?

[Anita Lewis]

Lynn Gallup wrote:
>
> Mine is a large Windows XP system which I set up originally (using 
> Acronis for partitioning) with the thought of eventually installing 
> Linux in a *dual-boot* configuration. Accordingly, I set up my 
> machine with a huge empty FAT32 partition for Linux.
>  
> The YaST installation program which Novell uses on their SUSE 10.0 
> package appears (from the various on-screen messages) to be intent on 
> repartitioning and reformatting all four of my existing partitions 
> whether I like it or not, and installing Linux where it damn well 
> pleases. It doesn't ask about, nor even appear to accomodate, a 
> dual-boot configuration, let alone ask me in which partition I would 
> like it installed. Anyway, I bailed out of YaST pretty quick and decided 
> to seek the advice of someone who knows what they are doing.
>

There is a good explanation on the partitioner here:
http://www.novell.com/documentation/suse10/index.html  3.7.5 Partitioner

You will get to the Expert Partitioner by choosing "Create Custom 
Partition Setup"

Here is a picture of what it will look like: 
http://www.novell.com/documentation/suse10/startguide/graphics/i_y2_disk_part.png

What you are going to need to do is to delete that big FAT32 partition 
that you made.  The partitioner is perceiving that you have no room on 
the drive and I'm sure that is why it wants to repartition the whole 
thing.  After you delete it, and Apply, I would recomment you go out of 
the Installer and start again.  Then you should get a decent suggested 
partitions scheme that you can just select and go on from there.

Just be sure you delete the proper partition.  If you know the size of 
it, that shouldn't be a problem.

Does that sound doable?