Re: [SLUG] Uninstalling a distribution preparatory to re-installing it

[O Plameras <oscarp@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Leslie Katz wrote:

> I had one hard disk in my computer, with Windows XP on it. I installed 
> a second hard disk and put Fedora Core 3 on it. I choose between the 
> two OSs at bootup via the Windows bootloader, called (I believe) NTLDR.
>
> I have been trying to compile a Linux webcam driver (my first attempt 
> at compiling anything). However, I discovered that the FC3 
> installation type I'd chosen did not include a compiler, so I tried to 
> install one. When I tried, I was told it couldn't be done because I 
> needed other files to be installed first. I therefore downloaded the 
> other named files and tried to install them. That was not permitted, 
> because, as I was informed, they were already installed. I then tried 
> again to install the compiler, only to be told again that the files 
> were not installed. I'm in an endless loop, it appears.
>
> It seems to me that the only way forward is for me to uninstall FC3 
> and then re-install it, selecting the installation type that includes 
> the necessary compiling files from the outset.
>
> However, I can't find any straightforward instructions on how to 
> uninstall FC3.
>
> Can anyone tell me whether there's an easy way to do it?
>
> Also, I'm assuming that, when FC3's been uninstalled, I'll still be 
> able to boot into Windows.  I can't see why I wouldn't, since the 
> bootloader's set up to default into Windows.
>
> However, if anyone thinks it would be a problem, I'd be grateful to be 
> told why.



Hi Leslie,

Providing you have broadband connection to the Internet - faster the 
better - no need to re-install.
I am using Fedora's and Redhat's and have save me lot's of headaches 
with installations.

Just try, the following procedures:

As root do this one first if you have not done yet:
#rpm -Uvh 
http://atrpms.net/dist/fc3/atrpms-kickstart/atrpms-kickstart-25-1.rhfc3.at.i386.rpm

Then,

#apt-get update
#apt-get dist-upgrade
#apt-get install kernel=2.6.10-1.770_14.rhfc3.at (There is a 2.6.11.XXX 
but has problems).

Then,  re-boot your linux to the above kernel.
Then you may install/upgrade any development module you like, e.g.,
#apt-get install gcc (or the like).

'apt-get install' is a smart user-tool that knows dependencies and will
install them when required. No need to figure out yourself. If you
are not familiar with 'rpm' command it is usefull to read up on it.

Hope this helps.

O Plameras