UNSOLVED
TL
t.lauckner
13 Posts
0
9161
June 29th, 2006 14:00
"Automagic" partition change
Hello,
MY PROBLEM:
I changed the type of the original rescue Partitions to "W95 FAT 32" (b). After each boot in Windows, exactly these partition types are changed to "HIDDEN W95 FAT 32 (LBA)" (1c), wich makes them unuseable in WinXP. Nor me neither the commertial software-support where I was directed to by DELL were able to find out what needs to be changed to circumvent this. I would be very happy if cou could help!
MORE DETAILLED:
I made an exact copy of the partitions ("dd" in Linux) to backup the original data on DVD. Then I changed the partition label ("fdisk" , "t", "b" in Linux) and verified it after a reboot Linux -> Linux. After that, I formatted the new drives with Windows file system (vfat), saved some testing files on it and rebooted to Windows. I could see no new drive neither in the Windows Explorer nor with any trick I could think of (well, I didn't use partition magic, but I don't think that would be the ultimate solution). After rebooting into Linux, I realized that the partition type was changed to "HIDDEN", so that windows was not allowed to see it. After that, I viewed autoexec.bat and config.sys - they were EMPTY! I also surfed a little around in this windows registry, but couldn't find anything for half an hour.
REASONS:
I dual-boot in Linux and Windows. I'd like to use the original rescure partitions to exchange data between the systems, because at the moment Linux is not able to write on (preinstalled) XFS :/
MY PROBLEM:
I changed the type of the original rescue Partitions to "W95 FAT 32" (b). After each boot in Windows, exactly these partition types are changed to "HIDDEN W95 FAT 32 (LBA)" (1c), wich makes them unuseable in WinXP. Nor me neither the commertial software-support where I was directed to by DELL were able to find out what needs to be changed to circumvent this. I would be very happy if cou could help!
MORE DETAILLED:
I made an exact copy of the partitions ("dd" in Linux) to backup the original data on DVD. Then I changed the partition label ("fdisk" , "t", "b" in Linux) and verified it after a reboot Linux -> Linux. After that, I formatted the new drives with Windows file system (vfat), saved some testing files on it and rebooted to Windows. I could see no new drive neither in the Windows Explorer nor with any trick I could think of (well, I didn't use partition magic, but I don't think that would be the ultimate solution). After rebooting into Linux, I realized that the partition type was changed to "HIDDEN", so that windows was not allowed to see it. After that, I viewed autoexec.bat and config.sys - they were EMPTY! I also surfed a little around in this windows registry, but couldn't find anything for half an hour.
REASONS:
I dual-boot in Linux and Windows. I'd like to use the original rescure partitions to exchange data between the systems, because at the moment Linux is not able to write on (preinstalled) XFS :/
504
0
Posted June 29th, 2006 21:00
t.lauckner,
You stated in your original post "I'd like to use the original rescure partitions to exchange data between the systems." This tells me that you don't care about the contents of those partitions only that you wish to be able to use them.
If this is the case simply reinstall Windows XP, delete all three existing partitions, create as many new partitions from the resulting unpartitioned space as you desire and format them with the file system of your choosing. After this is done none of them will be hidden.
504
0
Posted June 29th, 2006 21:00
Thank you, that's generally a good idea. Is this possible with the WinXP licence I got from DELL, i.e. is the XP I "bought" from DELL without these changes or, legally speaking, will I have to buy another licence for the original Windows? Certainly, there are ways to get a cracked original Windows and I could say I already bought a licence but that's not really what I want.
The reason I didn't try it this way was that I assumed this Windows I have on the HDD backup partition (I din't order the CD - shame on me!) will behave exactly like the current one.
Thanks for advice,
t.lauckner504
0
Posted June 29th, 2006 21:00
No, this is certainly NO Linux problem.
The Problem is that DELL's pre-installed Windows XP changes the bits on the harddisk concerning the partition type at every reboot.
I only mentioned some Linux things for better understanding (so I thought). I repeat, this problem does not concern Linux at all.
You can see it that way: I'm searching for the adjustments DELL seemingly made to Windows to get shure noone is ever able to accidentally destroy the backup partitions - that's generally a good idea, but not for my needs.504
0
Posted June 30th, 2006 04:00
t.lauckner,
The PC Restore image on your hard disk will return your system to its "as shipped" state. For your purposes it is totally useless. Contact Dell at one of the links in this post and request an XP reinstallation CD.
If you are unable to get a CD from Dell (and they are generally quite cooperative--mention the Media Reduction Initiative) you will need to purchase one. An operating system CD is essential for doing nearly anything meaningful on a computer.
504
0
Posted June 30th, 2006 11:00
Thanks for your advice, I'll try to order a (almost) "free" CD, hoping it will work. By the way, buying a Windows CD is not essential when you're going to use your PC as a workstation with Linux ;)
I'll post how mouch I'd have to pay for the CD.
Greetings,
t.lauckner504
0
Posted June 30th, 2006 12:00
Hello again,
I called DELL and they told me they'll send me one Windows CD for free. Wonderful! So I still don't know the reason, but now there is a solution.
Byebye,
t.lauckner504
0
Posted September 11th, 2006 00:00
This will be my last post on this topic, I think. This is to help any other persons seeking for advice:
if you have any problems with windows altering your partition table, you can call dell support. They're quite cooperative and will send you one (1) copy of your windows version, if you don't already have one. The contents of this cd will be really original and therefore not alter your partition table any more (at least not in the way described in the threads above).
Have fun,
t.lauckner
msgale
2 Intern
•
2507 Posts
504
0
Posted June 29th, 2006 17:00