Why I get new HDD

[Garfield]

Do I have to partition it? And, I'm only going to be doing Windows storage on this new one, but I'm going to want Linux in the future, so I can partition later on, right?

But, when I get this new drive, do I need to partition it first?

[fearless]

I'm fairly certain that new drives are completly clean, so yes you'd have to partition and format. To be sure though, run fdisk and view the patitions. If it shows nothing then you'll have to create one, make it active and format.

Dr.

[abb1]

Yes, you are going to have to partition & format your Drive. You can always delete the partitions and recreate them and reformat when you install linux.
Abb

[Garfield]

Where would I get this partitioner?

[It_The_Cow]

You can use fdisk (type fdisk at the a:\ prompt) on a Windows 98 Bootdisk. If you decide to get something fancier like Partition Magic, you can make partitions without having to reformat

Daniel's Guide (http://overclockers.com/tips120/index03.asp). You can find a Win98 bootdisk at www.bootdisk.com

[Garfield]

What do you suggest I do?

[CrystalMethod]

I personally make boot disks, with everything I need on them. I trust Partition Magic about as far as I can throw a cheesecake underwater, but that's just my opinion. What you DON'T want is a Windows Millenium "startup disk". It's very important to have a Windows 98 boot disk. The Windows98 boot disks allow you so much more control over what you do to your system from a DOS prompt. After you have the boot disk, you can go in and add in the necessary files that you think you might need at a later date. Some of these files should be:

- FDISK
- FORMAT
- EDIT
- INSTALL
- COMMAND

I'd go grab my diskette from upstairs, but it's kinda late, and I'm kinda falling asleep at the keyboard right now. PM me and I'll send you the list of the files I use tomorrow/today.

[Kendan]

Or you could just use the disk that comes with the drive.(if OEM then download it from the HD manufacturer). It usually has a format and partition tool plus some extras like a disk diagnostic program, and a program to transfer data from one disk to another. It is just another option you have.