Linux Servers reformat to Windows

The only problem I have when I convert Linux machines back to windows is that the MS-Dos fdisk utility can't always remove the linux partitions.

When this happens, I use the following procedure to uninstall linux and re-install windows.

1. Runthe linux setup program again. When I Get prompted to create linux partitions, I delete the existing partitons, and save the changes.

2. Once the changes are saved, you can the machine, using the windows startup disk. Once the machine is rebooted, run the command
a:fdisk /mbr
from the command prompt. This will remove the linux loader (LILO) from the Master Boot record (MBR).

3. From there, just use the normal win 9.x setup procedure, and you should be OK.

Cheers

Jim

Since you're going to blow the linux completely out of the box,[I assume thats the only os thats in it].Simply,reboot go into cmos on reboot, choose low level format on ide [hard drives], then reboot back into cmos and then use detect system hard drives. Exit cmos,and save changes. Next throw in your win 98 boot disk and boot up, at the a:\ prompt select fdisk. select create primary dos partiton and follow the prompts. When done exit out of fdisk, reboot using boot disk, at the a:\ prompt choose format c: [if that is your master ide]
let it format, then reboot again using your win 98 boot disk, select use cdrom for install, and install your win 98. Doing it this way will ensure that you have completely deleted all of the lunix and partitions from your hard drive [in essence using the lowlevel format of the hard drive you've written zeros to the entire disk] and you will have a clean install of win 98.
There is another program available called maxllf.exe it fits on a 3.5 floppy. You can search for it on the net and find it. It will do the same for you as using lowlevel format in your cmos settings.
Personally, I dropped the windows and went to Linux. Oh well, what you prefer is what you should use. Hope this helps !!!

I notice you haven't close the question yet.

I have done this process several times. Each time I have use Disk Manager from ontrack to remove the Linux Partitions and reformat to a ms-dos format.

Decide what type of hard drives you have and goto the manufacturers home page IE Seagate is www.seagate.com and download thier free disk manager utility and wipe the hard drives out that way.

Hope this helps :-)