I would like to remove the SuSE 10.2 I have on my dual boot computer.....
........and replace it with Fedora 7. However, I am a little nervous of doing this as all my husband's e-mails (important!) are on the Windows partition - anyone want to hold my hand through this major step (for me) ?
Well first do a backup of hubby's emails, and anything else you can't re-install or live without. That's always a good idea.
After that, boot the Linux DVD, and when you get to the disk configuration question choose "custom configuration", which brings up a tool often called "disk druid". It should display all the partition on any disks and it should be pretty clear which ones are Windows (probably ntfs file system, or maybe vfat). You can select and delete all of the Linux/suse partitions (note none of the deletions actually takes place until later when you answer some sort of "are you sure" type question. After that you'll want to select free space segments and create a swap partition, a root "/" partition and possibly a separate /home partition. I'll suggest 1-2GB for swap, 12-24GB for root (ext3) and /home (ext3) with whatever is left [or else consilidate everything on "/"]. After selecting these and continuing you'll be asked if it's OK to reformat & install. Then(I think that's the order) you'll be asked if yo uwant to boot "other" (which represents Windows) first. If for any reason the automatic dual-boot setup doesn;t work then don't panic. The installer never overwrites a partition by accident, and it's easy to setup dual-boot afterwards.
Try installing thunderbird or evolution and converting the husband to a Linux way of life.
Thanks, Stevea. Tried loading F7 on the dual-boot machine last night (UK time) but suddenly got stuck on loading grub and chickened out. I absolutely DARE NOT lose the Windows partition, dammit! Husband is a total technophobe and only just knows how to turn the computer on, let alone anything else. But I will try what you have suggested - keep your fingers crossed for me please
(p.s. - I'm replying to this from my other machine - the one that is F7 only - mine, mine, mine! )
?
I absolutely DARE NOT lose the Windows partition, dammit! Husband is a total technophobe and only just knows how to turn the computer on, let alone anything else. But I will try what you have suggested - keep your fingers crossed for me please 
Linear Mode
