setting up multi boot options: Linux / XP

cozumel · Apr 22, 2006, 07:44 AM

I am new to Linux, have tried Live CD and I like. Now I plan to load full distro onto my system. Not sure which distro just yet - will do some research first. Need something, in first instance, that is easy for new user.

Currently have 2 SATA HDD RAID 0 for XP and plan to install Linux on old 4.3GB Samsung that I have lying about. This will be drive G.

Obviously one way to multiboot is by entering BIOS every time I boot and changing config. This setup would, however, be highly unsatisfactory.

The easiest way is probably to install on same drive as XP but is not good for when I need to re-format this disk for a fresh XP install if XP gets corrupted etc so I do not want to do this.

I want, with XP and Linux installed on different drives, mutiboot options to be available direct from boot. I don't know how to to do this setup. Any ideas please?

PangingJr · Apr 22, 2006, 08:34 AM

Post #23
Ultimate Boot CD and The bootmanager for bootable CDs ...

cozumel · Apr 22, 2006, 08:49 AM

Wow - thank you Panging! Looks very complicated for a novice though. I don't even know (yet) what 'grub' is, never mind using the program. Are there any easier alternatives to begin with pls?

PangingJr · Apr 22, 2006, 09:05 AM

when you install Linux you'll have the option to install or skip the Linux Boot Loader (LILO).
if the Linux also include GRUB, you want to use GRUB instead of LILO.

google GNU GRUB for more detail info on the GRUB.

what i've posted there is just my personal preference when it comes to installing and using the Windows and Linux's on the same machine.
actually, there are a number of ways to install Windows and Linux on the same machine, and are also a number of ways to dual-boot the two operating system.

RIV@NVX · Apr 22, 2006, 02:28 PM

Which distro? I have 3 recommendations for newcomers:
1) Fedora
2) SUSE
3) Ubuntu
So, try these first, and if you find something you like, good. If you don't, keep on looking.

cozumel · Apr 22, 2006, 04:26 PM

Gonna go with Ubuntu 'cos it comes with GRUB and is what is currently being installed at my place of employment. I checked their forums out and think I can get multi-boot up and running. I was just panicking cos syntax is not what I know but 'practice makes perfect' etc. Will install on my rig next week.

Randomletters · Apr 22, 2006, 04:40 PM

Im currently on (k)ubuntu on my laptop, no windows at all. Sense I cant game on this machine I felt there was no real reason to dual boot. Mostly everything just works on install. The only problems Im having right now is my internal Wifi isnt working and the sound has a bit of static.

BTW I am definately a Linux noob Ive messed around with redhat, mandrake, and ubuntu a while ago but never really retained any useful knowledge.

PangingJr · Apr 23, 2006, 07:04 AM

last time i try the Ubuntu it can only install a boot loader onto MBR or floppy disk,
it could not install the boot loader to the root superblock nor onto the /boot's superblock, the options were there but i could not made it.
i had to use other GRUB from other Linux partition to boot the Ubuntu. i have not found this problem on the other Linuxes.

RIV@NVX · Apr 23, 2006, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PangingJr

last time i try the Ubuntu it can only install a boot loader onto MBR or floppy disk

And why wasn't MBR ok?

PangingJr · Apr 23, 2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIV@NVX

And why wasn't MBR ok?

it's just my particular way of doing thing. i don't like to have the boot loader to be in the MBR.