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GParted Partition Utility

By gf, on October 25th, 2009

GParted partition utility is a free Open Source Linux utility that can be run from a LiveCD, such as, Insert.  This utility can quickly create Windows FAT32 and NTFS hard drive partitions.  GParted can even resize partitions without destroying the data on the partition.  This make it very useful for creating a second or third partition on a Windows installed drive.  I like to run GParted from the Insert LiveCD because you can boot the computer from the CD and still have full access to the hard drive.  This is a valuable utility that I use often.

LiveCDs

LiveCds are CDs that can be used to startup a non-functioning computer to retrieve files and data that might not otherwise be accessible.  You can also use the LiveCD to troubleshoot, edit files, and scan and remove virus infections.  LiveCDs can be very important computer technician tools.

Fdisk MBR

The Fdisk MBR website has additional articles on this subject that you might find useful.

I also have a YouTube video that takes you step by step through its easy gpartedoperation.

Leave a comment   GParted   , , , , , , , ,  

Linux Fdisk

By gf, on September 26th, 2009

Linux uses one partition for its root file system and it also needs a dedicated swap partition for its swap filelinux-penguin.  Since Linux Fdisk is more complex than DOS Fdisk it can be very challenging to use.  Also older Computer hardware BIOS can only accesses the first 1024 cylinders of the disk, which can limit your partitions to 8GB.  You can also make DOS partitions with the DOS Fdisk utility or Linux partitions with the Linux Fdisk.

Partitioning

When I setup partitions for either a Linux or Windows operating systems I use GParted.  GParted, Partition Magic clone, is a free Open Source utility that works well on any computer system.  You can also run it, which I prefer, from a LiveCD, such as, INSERT.  INSERT, from Inside Security, is a free LiveCD based on Knoppix.  Knoppix is another LiveCD that has many useful computer maintenance tools.  INSERT also has many other free and valuable tools, such as, Partimage, which is a clone of North Ghost.  If you want some addition information on GParted you should check out the my YouTube video GParted.

Fdisk MBR

The Fdisk MBR website has additional articles on this subject you might find useful.

Leave a comment   Linux Fdisk   , , , , , , , ,  

FIXMBR

By gf, on September 23rd, 2009

The FIXMBR command no longer uses DOS and the fdisk utility is no longer available in Windows XP.  However, there is this new FIXMBR command function that can be used in the Recovery Console where you can also find other important maintenance tools.  You can start the Recovery Console from an original Windows XP install CD or you can also install it to the hard drive so that you can access it during startup.  To install it to the hard drive type the following at the command prompt: X:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons (X is the letter of the CDROM drive where the Windows XP install disk is.)  When you startup the Recovery Console you will need the administrator’s password access the drive.

There are several familiar DOS commands that can be listed by typing HELP at the prompt, such as, attrib, del, more, delete, mkdir, dir, format, cd, help, chdir, rd, chkdsk, cls, exit, rename, copy, md, and rmdir.  These commands can be used to repair and modify all files and folders on your hard drive.  The Windows XP FIXMBR command and Recovery Console has proven to be a very helpful maintenance tool.

I also have a YouTube video on FIXMBR that you might want to checkout.

Fdisk MBR

The Fdisk MBR website has some additional articles you might find useful.

3 comments   FIXMBR   , , , , , , ,  
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