[SOLVED] Arch Bootable Partition

jdh313 · 08-10-2011, 02:12 PM

I am working on an install of Arch linux and got up to the part of the partitioning. I set up my partition table the way I want it in cfdisk, but I get the message that the bootable partition has to be a primary partition. The problem is that my first partition is Dell Utilities and my other two are for Windows 7, which can't be deleted. Why does arch require this when I can boot any other distro from a logical partition? Is there any way around this or will I have to delete dell utility?
Thanks for the help.

kilgoretrout · 08-10-2011, 04:03 PM

I installed arch on a logical partition without problems. What exactly is your partition layout?

syg00 · 08-10-2011, 07:23 PM

Common Linux loaders do not use the boot flag. Do not (ever) assign the boot flag if using grub or lilo.
End of discussion.

And yes, the (mindless) design of the M$oft loader(s) that do insist on this require the boot-able partition to be a primary. And only one.

jdh313 · 08-10-2011, 08:33 PM

When I went through cfdisk to partition i got the error that one of the primary partitions had to have the boot flag. I can ignore this?

syg00 · 08-10-2011, 09:15 PM

Stick it on the Win7 partition that has the bcd in it (sda2 ?). If you ever need to boot the Win7 CD/DVD it'll expect/require it.
Grub ignores it anyway. cfdisk shouldn't enforce it either - that's just sick.

John VV · 08-11-2011, 02:40 AM

Quote:

The problem is that my first partition is Dell Utilities and my other two are for Windows 7, which can't be deleted

yes it can .
get a free copy of the install dvd from Microsoft
wipe out the dell install and reinstall win 7 in a sane manner

that "recovery" partition is just as vulnerable to a virus infection as the rest of windows

as to the arch installer
keep at it .it can be a pain but it is usable