> What should I try next to get the hard drive to boot > the kernel on the second partition? I may have ruined > it by writing a boot record onto the second partition.
Try re-installing the LILO package, and answer _yes_ to all of the questions it asks you. This will put Debian's MBR program on your MBR, and our standard LILO configuration on your partition, and will get you in a known state that will help us diagnose any subsequent problems. Thanks Bruce