HElp with Linux install

[albert at ccs.neu.edu (Albert Cahalan)]

> >> I backed up the hard drive, re-partitioned using DOS fdisk
> >> to create 1 primary drive, C:, consisting of 300mb.

fips.exe is a fast, easy, and nondestructive way to split a partition.

> >> I created a boot disk using the scsi driver set, I created a root
> >> disk using the color144 file set.  When I get to the root prompt
> >> and use the Linux fdisk, it comes back with:
> >> 
> >> Unable to read /dev/hda
> >> 
> >> I have tried following on line directions found via the web and doing 
> >> this over and over step by step
> >> but now I have had enough and am in great need of help!  I am obviously
> >> missing some crucial part and keep repeating the same mistake.

/dev/hda is the first IDE drive, you want /dev/sda

> When I set up my machine, I used DOS fdisk (from floppy) to create three 
> primary partitions out of my 400 MB drive:
> 
> Partition 1: 80 MB: DOS
> Partition 2: 300 MB: Non-DOS
> Partition 3: 20 MB: Non-DOS

How?  The DOS fdisk refuses to create more than one primary partition.

> I've cc'ed this to the Linux/Unix group's mailing list; if anyone else
> has advice on Ed's problem, feel free to jump in. Ed's not on our mailing
> list, so replies should be addressed (or cc'ed) to him at edg at nww.com.