Re-installing W98 without endangering the Linux partitions?

[John Feole]

I've re-installed the earlier revs of Win98/WinME a number of times 
using pretty much the same procedure Randy outlined with no 
problems..And when done installing to /dev/hda, simply re-run grub after 
booting Linux with the boot floppy..

JFeole
--
Randy Edwards wrote:

> >  So, I'm considering the Microsoft re-install dance.  And yes,
> > I'll do backups of the Linux stuff first.  But I'm looking for tips,
> > war stories, and warnings as to what to say to W98 install to minimize
> > the likelihood of having to restore the Linux partitions.
> 
>   Good instinct, but don't worry too much about it.
>
>   Win98 will have to be on /dev/hda1.  It won't see the other Linux 
>partitions, and won't mess with them either (unless you really get stupid 
>with FDISK).
>
>   Win98 will take over the master boot record.  Make sure you have a boot 
>floppy or CD so you can boot Linux.  You'll then just have to boot Linux and 
>rerun GRUB or LILO so Linux can take back the MBR (and of course you'll have 
>to add your Windows boot option to GRUB/LILO, but you probably already have 
>that).
>
>   I'm assuming you're already familiar with installing Win98.  My strong 
>preference for Win98 is to boot from the CD and to get to a DOS prompt, then 
>to do a "format c: /s /v" to reformat the DOS partition.  I then always copy 
>the files from D:/WIN98/*.* to C:/WIN98, and then run setup from 
>C:/WIN98/SETUP.EXE.  This way the install goes much quicker than from the CD 
>and in the future Windows will never prompt you for the CD to get the cab 
>files.
>
>   But really, it isn't tricky -- just make sure you have the Linux boot 
>floppy or CD to reinstall your boot manager.
>
>  
>