I had a similar problem when I tried to install the Debian base system from a Windows 98 (FAT32) partition. The problem is (I think) is that linux kernels prior to 2.0.35 don't have support for fat32 partitions.
I was running S.u.S.E. Linux when I upgraded to Windows 98. I couldn't mount my Windows partitions anymore. I had to download the 2.0.35 source and recompile. After that, I could mount my Windows 98 partitions as type vfat with no problem. Unless you are able to find a rescue disk with the 2.0.35 kernel on it, I think you'll have to install via cdrom, or ftp. I ordered cdroms, but they didn't work so I installed via ftp. I'm using a 57K modem, and I have spent the last couple of nights downloading and installing. It's really not too bad. Hope this helps, Mark --- On Fri, Aug 21, 1998 at 12:44:12PM -0400, dwt77 wrote: > In both the Debian and Red Hat installation programs I've gotten to >the point where I choose my installation method (HD) and in both cases >the program does not recognize my hda1 (FAT32) parition, preventing me >from completing the installation. Debian tells me that "no partitions >not already mounted were detected" and Red Hat (which provides a list >of partitions) simply does not show the one (hda1) on which its software >resides. The partition programs (cfdisk, disk druid, and fdisk) had no >trouble recognizing this partition. Any suggestions?