Dual-boot SuSE 8.1/Win98SE problem

old codger · 08-24-2003, 01:26 AM

I run a dual-boot Linux/Windows arrangement, with two hard drives. SuSE 8.1 is on one 4.3 GB HDD, with Windows 98SE O/S (5 GB partition) and Windows applications (15 GB partition) on a separate 20 GB HDD. Windows is the default O/S, and I select Linux during boot-up by means of the 'Up' arrow.

I have had to re-install Windows due to '... program has performed an illegal operation...' problems - which turned out to be due to a corrupt 128 MB RAM I had fitted recently, and I now cannot select Linux - the opportunity just doesn't arise during boot-up - it goes straight into Windows!
BTW, I have removed the 128 MB RAM boards and re-installed my original 64 MB (4 x 16 MB) boards, and everything else seems to be working OK.

How can I restore my ability to choose Linux?

Thanks

Best

old codger

leonscape · 08-24-2003, 01:36 AM

What was your boot loader LILO or grub?

Since WIndows always does what it likes its overwritten you MBR and your boot loader, so it needs reinstalling.

LILO:
su to root type
/sbin/lilo

Should work now.

Grub:
su to root and type
grub (wait for it to pass all the bios stuff)
root (hdx,x)
setup (hd0)
quit

Replace the x's in root command with your systems /boot location.

hd0 Primary IDE Master
hd1 Primary IDE Slave
hd2 Secondary IDE Master
hd3 Secondary IDE Slave

The second number is the partition which counts from zero not 1. So if boot is hdb1 (As I pressume) it's (hd1, 0)

brew1brew · 08-24-2003, 02:38 AM

If you don't have a boot disk you can boot your install cd and go into "rescue" mode, in mandrake you do this by hitting F1 instead of enter when the CD first boots. rescue will walk you through restoring you MBR/lilo or grub

utopicdog · 08-24-2003, 07:23 AM

boot from SuSE's cd1 and follow the menus to 'boot installed system" then, when it's up and running, run lilo or grub to reinstall on your harddisk.

if i'm dualbooting I generally install the grub/lilo on a floppy as my girlfriend finds it easier. (boot=/dev/fd0)

I have foung it prudent to back up the partition records at this point (see gpart man page) as with dual boot systems some software (norton antivirus) will overwrite the master boot record.