Depending on whether you are using Lilo
or Loadlin the method differs
slightly. Lilo users have to first restore
their original MBR either by typing /sbin/lilo
-u within Linux or typing fdisk
/MBR in DOS. The next steps
are common for both Loadlin and
Lilo users. These are not really neccessary but
just to be on the safe side I do them all the same.
Boot using the Linux installation CD and type Linux
expert at the first prompt, answer whatever you wish to the
next questions until you get to the install selection screen. Here select
Install and With Fdisk and use
Fdisk to delete all Linux partitions. Write the
changes to disk and
Ctrl–Alt–Delete
your way out of the installation program or reset your system to
reboot. Remember to change the BIOS settings to boot
from the hard disk or else you will reboot from the
CDROM again.
Reboot once again, this time with the
fips disk that has the backup of your partition
table and boot sector – you saved it, didn't you? – and type
restorrb at the prompt. Answer
yes to the question, the program will restore your
partition table and boot sector and you can pat yourself on the back for
accomplishing the impossible – reclaiming lost partition space! This
is all the more reason for making sure that the crucial backup file
(Rootboot.000) is saved in at least
5 different locations. You can never be too
careful. Reboot back into Windows and run
scandisk on the newly increased
C drive. It will report one error in the
fsinfo sector which is just a used and free space
accounting error. Your Linux data is now naturally lost for
ever. Hopefully this procedure won't be neccessary unless you are
increasing space allocated to Linux or getting rid of Windows.