Quote Originally Posted by AllParadox
Step 3i: used QT-Parted to delete all but the first partition containing my irreplaceable programs.
In just a few posts this machine went from "boat-anchor" to a machine containing "irreplaceable programs". Sorry, but this is not the way to learn about an operating system: Linux, MS Windows, or anything else.

Knoppix is great for some initial learning about the OS: boot from the CD and don't touch the hard drive. If you want to learn a bit more, boot from the CD and use a persistent disk image. If you want to have a real dual-boot Linux/Windows system, backup your data (and know how to restore it) or use a spare box, because you will make mistakes that will render your drive useless.

Good luck.

Regards,
- Robert
http://www.cwelug.org