Ok, I have a win98/win2k setup at the mo with a spare 4GB HDD just collecting dust. So I thought I'd install RedHat 7.1 on there and learn it. The question is, how?

I don't want to download PartionMagic or reformat (again, *shudder*, don't ask...) If I just install RH7.1 on the 4GB, how do I manually fix up the bootup menu to include Linux? Also, I have heard mention of boot.ini I'm running a 98/2k dual boot already, but I can't find this file on my HDD, what's up with that? Will installing Linux create that file??

Any help would be great...

put the disc in the drive.. boot from it.. follow the instructions...
Linux will install its own, much better boot menu, and should be fully aware of win98 / 2k's exsitence. When i did it i ended up with two boot menus.. first came lilo (the linux one) which let me choose between linux and windows, second was the 2k bootloader. I think that you can actually alter the 2k menu to include linux, but that's not so good afaik.

installing linux will not create a file that is for a different operating system.. why would it? the boot.ini file is for win2k only.

there are LOADS of thread on this forum about just this question, please search it.

Yea, also, to add, if you browse the web, you will be able to find instructions on how to eliminate LILO or whichever bootloader you use, and just have an entry for Linux in the NT bootloader.

It's kinda tricky to do, but even a hardcore newbie can follow step-by-step instructions.

Later,
Oz

I can install Linux and all that quite fine. But boot.ini is not on any of my HDD's I've looked on both the win98 and win2k partions, and yes, I did have it so I can view all files. How is it I can choose to boot into either win98, or win2k if I don't have boot.ini? *sigh* If only things could be easy, just for once....

I believe that ' boot.ini ' is supposed to be in the root directory of w2k. Maybe this will help.

Linuxcool, cheers very muchly The info you gave me was exactly what I needed Cheers again...