Multi-boot methods I've used:
Note: In all cases, Windows boots from /dev/hda1 which is drive C, a primary
partition and the active partition. If you want to do something else, I wish
you well but you are needlessly complicating your life. In the event of
multiple Windows systems, each should inhabit its own partition (drive
letter) unless you're an expert Windows geek that enjoys mixing apps &
settings folders between Windows systems.
1. Using NT/2000 boot system. This is the method I use, it works great.
- (Optional) Set up DOS or one of Win95/98/Me if you want it. The Windows
folder doesn't have to be on drive C: but the boot files (io.sys &
msdos.sys) will be on C:. You can only have one of these legacy systems
without using a third party boot manager that make this entire post
unnecessary.
- Set up NT or 2000. It will automatically set up a dual boot for the
DOS/Win95 system, if any. If you install Win95 after installing NT it will
break the NT boot mechanism and you'll have to repair it.
- Set up as many more NT/2000 systems as you want. The only serious problem
I've ever had is trying to dual boot a Japanese Windows system with roman
Windows versions, but you really want to install any NT 4.0 systems and
upgrade them to SP5 or later before installing 2000.
- Install Linux. DON'T let LILO install a master boot record, instead have
it install a boot record to the root partition. You probably also want to
creat a boot floppy so you can boot your Linux system the first time after
installation.
- Boot Linux from the floppy or from a Linux CD-ROM that let's you do stuff
like say 'root=/dev/hda5'.
- Mount your C drive to a directory. For example
mount /dev/hda1 /windows/c
- Copy the boot record from your root parition to a file on drive C. For
example, if lilo.conf contains the line 'boot=/dev/hda5', then you'd execute
dd bs=512 if=/dev/hda5 of=/windows/c/bootsect.lnx count=1
- Append the following line to the NT loader's boot.ini file on drive C:
c:\bootsect.lnx="Debian Linux"
- Restart. You should be able to select "Debian Linux" from the boot menu,
make it the default, etc.
2. If you don't use NT or 2000, you can use loadlin, their directions are
easy to follow and work well. Remember that you can't run loadlin from
Windows, you have to shut down into "comand prompt only" mode first.
3. Just use a boot floppy when you want Linux.
Finally, here's an essential tip: If LILO does install a master boot record,
and you ever want to get your system bootable from M$ again, boot from a
Win95-style boot floppy and run
FDISK /MBR
This is an (undocumented) option of M$'s FDISK that re-DOS-ifies the master
boot record of the C drive. Note that you'll almost certainly have to reset
the Active partition as well.
I've learned all of the above from various on-line Linux sources, thanks
everyone.
Paul Mackinney
Debian Newbie
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
