hi, i want to install Mandrake 9.1 , what boot loader do you recommend me to use? LILO or Grub?

and another question: i heard that many people had a problem, that they installed linux while they had windows, and then, when they re-installed windows, all the configuration of the Boot Loader had disappeared, and they were not able to choose whatever OS to load - Linux or Windows. how can i resolve this issue?

thanx for helping.

Take te default that Mandrake suggests.

Having to reinstall OS is, in most cases, never necessary, unless you mess up your partitions.

Linux is aware about other OSes existing on the disk. It will not overwrite those areas unless and until you ask it to do so.

windows overwrites the master boot record when you
install it. you can't stop it. just be prepared with a boot
floppy or cdrom for linux.

ohh, you didn't really understood my second question...
i meant that when i re-install windows it re-writes the "MBR" or whatever it's name is - that's where the boot loader is installed.
and then the boot loader erases...
my question is how can i bring it back after i re-install windows.
thanks again.

Hi par4noia

The key to this one is not to install Windows after you have already got Mandrake on your system.

The installation order for a succesful dual boot is:

Windows first

Linux second

Mandrake will automatically try and install LILO - This is a good choice - install it to your MBR.

I'm not sure about bringing the original Linux bootloader back - the thing to remeber here is that your Windows re-install might have overlayed your Linux partitions anyway - so there might not be much point in trying to get the original Linux bootloader back.

My advice would simply be to start from scratch and follow the correct installation order - ie Windows first - Linux second

Good luck

well thanx alot everyone!
btw - Skyline the 1st site at your "signature" is gr8

Cool

After installing Windows after Linux, you will need to boot to Linux with a boot floppy or use the install CD1 in rescue mode and re-install your bootloader as Microsoft ignores anything except itsself.

and where\when i create this boot floppy?
can i create it in the installation?
or after installing linux?

try:

while in the konsole? as root?

Yes, yes.

Yes, you have to be root to administer Linux.

To be sure: making a boot disk is as simple as copying (or dd'ing) a properly rdev'ed kernel onto a blank floppy. Just run rdev to make sure it points to the correct root device.

Then re-install lilo and your boot-loader is back. Best advice though...install windows first as skyline mentioned, then you will never have this problem, allthough it is always good to have a working bootdisk. In a pinch you can usually use your install cds to boot into your system.