linux problems

[mateo88]

I was trying to install mandrake linux on my computer a couple weeks ago and it got messed up. The grub program to boot into linux or windows was not working, so I ended up low level formatting the harddrive and reinstalling everything. Is there a way to bypass the grub program or modify the boot sector so that if this happens again I won't have to erase everything? Also, since right now I am retarded when it comes to linux, how do install drivers for hardware? I'm trying to install them for a SB Audigy.

[otheos]

You can delete the MBR using fdisk /mbr from dos (do you want to know how to do this from linux?).

Drivers in linux are not very common. Hardware support is built into the kernel, and if you need support for new hardware, you should look in the community and someone will have written a module for the kernel version you're using.

For the Audigy, the case is easier as it is supported in an updated kernel by mandrake. What version of Mandrake are you trying to use?

[mateo88]

I'm using 7.2, but it's the linux for windows thing that you don't have to make any partitions with. In case I need it, how do you delete the mbr from linux? Thanks otheos:)

[otheos]

Well from linux you just zero the mbr with:


dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/hda bs=512 count=1

Make sure the of= line contains the device that caries the mbr (/dev/hda is the primary master, hdb the primary slave, hdc the sec master and hdd the sec slave).

For audigy in RH7.2 you need some modules for the kernel, unless you care to patch and compile your own :)

I'll look around to see where these modules can be found.

[mateo88]

Thanks for the command. I'll write that down. I'm using mandrake, not red hat, so hopefully you haven't searched yet!:( Thanks!:)

[otheos]

Oh MDK7.2? That's a bit old. have you considered upgrading to 8.2?

[mateo88]

Yeah, I know it's old. But I had a giftcard to a software place and the had it for like 15 dollars. I just wanted something to play around with. And I didn't have to make any partitions. I'm planning on building a system for linux, but I only have about 10 cents right now.;) I'll certainly get the newest version of mandrake for that system, though.

[otheos]

Remember it's free to downlaod (www.linuxiso.org) and will still install without partitioning :)

[mateo88]

I don't have a high speed connection, though, so how long would it take?:(

[otheos]

Same here buddy. I have to ask favors to get the latest :)

[mateo88]

I would just leave the connection on for a few days and download it, but I don't want to spend all that time and then get a bad download or something.:rolleyes: Thanks otheos