-> It would seem to me that if you're getting the mfr utility to
"fix" that drive
-> or if you use something else to zero out the MBR,  it should be possible to go
-> on from there.  I see you mention in a previous post how you're getting another
-> card with a different BIOS to plug the drive into -- this is probably a waste, 
-> since once you boot linux ain't gonna be using the BIOS anyhow.

This will be my last attempt.
Drive already in the machine I merely need connect two cables
and reboot with just the CD-ROM on IDE 1 enabled.

You make a very good argument I'd not considered before as I
was intent on dual boot which is no longer the case.

I may yet find use for that Promise card but it won't be on
this machine.
             
Now to look into rewiring an stiff ATX - to SFX PS standard so
I can install two drives and and additional CDRW and max the machine
out.                                        

IRRC it's just a single -12 volt pin dropped in the SFX PS's.

Antec Phantom series PS's appeal due to heat sinks rather than 
fans and I can locate them outside the case.
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