[ALUG] "Hidden partitions"

[(Ted Harding)]

[PS: I would approach this by running Linux from a
 live CD or boot floppy, so would have fdisk and the
 like available. Sorry I forgot to mention this aspect.]

Hi Folks,

I understand that many laptops have BIOS-admin and
diagnostic programs stored in a "hidden partition"
on the hard drive -- usually accessed by pressing
a function key during the first stage of booting.

Any suggestions about

a) How to find out where this partition is (e.g.
   starting and ending cylinders) -- indeed to find
   out whether it is there in the first place?

b) How to (e.g.) wipe that other OS off the drive
   and install Linux without affecting this hidden
   partition?

With thanks, and best wishes to all,
Ted.

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E-Mail: (Ted Harding) <ted.harding at nessie.mcc.ac.uk>
Fax-to-email: +44 (0)870 094 0861
Date: 18-Feb-07                                       Time: 09:47:49
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