Hi, This is probably one which you are sick of answering, but here goes. I want to try linux and install it on a seperate had drive. My main HD has got winxp pro on it. I have got to the stage where I am ready to install the linux, which by the way is Unbuntu, but I am afraid it will mess up the MBR on my windows xp system. Would I be right in asumming that. I heard of Grub, but would I have to install that seperately before I install Unbunti. I also have partitioned that second Hd in order [ if possible ] to install other distros. I would appreciated any advice please. At 66 years of age, I am still a Noob, but would like to learn a bit about Linux.

All the best.

Lucky

Hi! Glad to hear your trying Linux out. Linux is more complicated then windows but more power and secure if managed right. So when things get tough just post on some forums and use google. http://howtoforge.com has alot of useful information on it. Now to answer your question.

By default you can boot windows and install it inside windows which is easier but I would recommend booting the ubuntu from disk and installing it that way. When you get to your partitioning scheme be sure you select the 2nd hard drive you want to install and just follow the steps. It will do the rest for you and even import some user accounts and/or Documents from windows at your request.

Ubuntu installs grub and should auto detect windows and add it to the /boot/grub/menu.lst. By default it will boot ubuntu. If you would like to boot windows by default you need to boot into ubuntu and then goto Applications>Accessories>Terminal and type


This is ubuntu 9.04 if you use a version that is newer it may use grub 2 as trdegar said. I haven't seen it yet so not sure.

Please note you may want to look up on how to use vim editor online. You are welcome to use any other type of text editor as well. Just don't use a word processor unless you save it as plain text. This tutorial below is down with vim editor.

Scroll down to

Press i and then Change the 0 to 3
Then press your insert key or i hit Esc next Shift+zz to save

If you copy and paste your /boot/grub/menu.lst


Now if you delete Linux in the future and just want windows you have to fix the mbr by booting from your windows cd and enter the recovery console. Select your install and type in your administrator password and type
This should fix your Master boot record for windows only. (Please note if you do this with a Linux installation still exsisting you can only access it by booting your linux from a Media source such a cd,usb,etc. You would have to reinstall grub to boot linux from you harddrive)


Hope this helps

good luck to you.

No, as far as I can recall, if you accept the defaults, the 'buntus will install without messing up your win installation: Win will still be offered to you as a boot option.

If you choose "Manual partition" you had better know what you are doing, and which of your partitions are used as exactly what. If in doubt, ask again on this thread (find it here on LQ [maybe by means of the email LQ has sent you] and reply to it).

Try the 'buntu installation process. If in doubt, make a note of where you are in the installation process, and what you are unsure of, and abort the process [Choose BACK] until you know better. Let us know exactly where you aborted, and why.

No, no need for a separate install of grub. The 'buntu installation will do all that for you. Best to let grub install on the MBR (which I think is the default).
Ok, but please start with the installation of one linux distro, before you branch out into multiple distros. Please just keep things simple until you get the hang of it.

Take it slowly. "66 years of age" is OK. I know 85y olds happily running linux, but they have forgotten where the kettle is

Hi -

jmc1987 is absolutely correct.

To put it more succinctly:

1. No, you don't have to install grub or do anything special.

Just insert the Ubuntu setup CD, and it should "do the right thing".

2. Ubuntu should give you sane defaults, it'll tell you what it's doing every step of the way, and it'll always give you a chance to change your mind.

3. Once Ubuntu is installed, it and Windows should happily co-exist together. You can boot one or the other; you can access Windows files from your Ubuntu OS.

Here's a great tutorial (with lots of screen shots):
http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_w...rst.htm?page=1


'Hope that helps!

The recent 'buntus use grub2. So /boot/grub/menu.lst does not exist, or apply.

Luckyjfl -
Again - the main point (and the answer to your original question) is that the Ubuntu install should "just work". You should just be able to insert the CD/DVD and go!

Please let us know how it goes!

If you insert the UBUntu install media in you're optical drive and restart you're computer Ubuntu will boot
Of course in you're BIOS settings the optical drive should be the first boot device .
If you do not change the install settings of UBUNTU it will write GRUB in MBR of SDA .
IF you like to change it , after the screen that give you the options come a other screen
On that screen is option called Advance .
Using this option you can change where to write GRUB.
But you need a boot loader GRUB or boot.ini to load the OS .
Do not ask me how to do it with boot.ini , I do not use windows
A other option is to write GRUB on the MBR of the second drive , but let the BIOS let you boot from the second drive .
Anyhow using the last option every time you wish to chance OS you have to change the boot order of the HD in you're BIOS.
If you go fore the last option be sure that the drive on with you are installing UBUNTU is the first boot HD during install

Good luck from a 72 year old man

Thank you all for your responses. I will certainly get back to you and let you know how I got on. Love that one Tredagar, about losing the Kettle, lol. Nice one.