hard drive partitioning

hello,
I am new to Geeks and also new to computers. My question is I want to partition my HDD but when I use Fdisk I keep getting that my hard drive is already the active partition and I tried all 4 options but I beleive that the
parameters of CMOS must be changed. EX: Belarc Advisor states I have 15.35 usable HD space of which 13.59 is free space so why can't I partition
this drive. Do I need to chand my CMOS settings. I am a little hesitant to try without some support. The reason I want to do this is to run windows XP as a 2nd OS. I read that 98 wants C: as the default drive so I must have XP as the second OS. This is a cool forum and I will stay posted. My email address is bluesteinm@bellsouth.net and I do appreciate and assistance.
thanks, mb

 

first off don't use FDisk it's old and outdated

use maxtors utility to erase your HDD:
http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/M...tware Downloads/ATA Hard Drives&downloadID=57

and I would recommend using partition magic to partition your drives ... but if you want something free XFDisk is pretty good:
http://www.mecronome.de/xfdisk/download.php

both of them are on UltimateBootDisk:
http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4019

and don't forget to format your XP partition as NTFS

 

The best way to Partition/Format your HDD with Multiple Partitions is using the HDD Manufactures Utility.

Fdisk Guide:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;255867
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/install/tips/msdos/fdisk.htm

Running Dual Boot PC, always load the oldest OS first.
Windows 98 format using Fat 32
XP can use Fat32, but NTFS is better more efficient more secure.

CMOS/BIOS, Here is great guide, will provide Info & reccomend most all of your settings:
http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx?location=9

What brand & how many GB's is your HDD? You said ya have 13.59 free ya might be a little slim for dual boot?

Why do you want to dual boot with 98? Just currious?, I run a couple of dual boot PC's and a triple booter, using W2k/XP pro/XP Home, just for fun & experimenting.

Look here Formatting sticky:
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=25831

Last note, I got your PM, I dont offer any help there, I post here for all to read and if I was to post bad info, someone around here might see and correct it, or someone may even offer another solution to your problem.
It's nice to have more than one option or solution!

And Welcome to MG, It is a great site!