Recently tried linux and a grub loader was installed on 1st hd, Windows xp pro, Linux on 2nd hd. Worked ok for a short time. Few days ago after windows update, computer total froze no mouse no keyboard. Waited 20 mins nothing so re-booted grub loader still there but windows choice missing. Have a pop-up menu in bios went to 1 hd cannot find ntldr ie no windows boot loader either. Had to re-install windows but got all files back. Any way round windows finding the linux bootloader, if not must always use pop-up in bios at moment until sure which os will choose.

Do you still have Linux installed? if so can you post the contents of /boot/grub/grub.conf?

Hi Not an expert at linux yet. yes have linux on 2nd hd as to where find /boot/grub/grub.config, have no idea. I am quite versant with windows but linux is very new will take a bit to get my head round. Have only had a computer 3 years am now 61 not very old but will try anything as always have made lots of mistakes do not ask how many times had to re-install 98 and xp. So must learn linux for next 3 years.

hi,
if u can get into linux, by changing boot order the definitely the boot loader can be restored.Type fdisk -l, it will show u the partitions on both hard disks.Now locate the partition in which u have installed xp.it will be like hda1,.. for ATA hard disks and sda1,.. for sata disks.
give the command,
vi /boot/grub/grub.conf

The vi text editor will open
Then search for the keywords
title windows
root (hd0,0)
rootnoverify
chainloader +1

note: 1)title windows is a label , it may contain any other name like other, etc
2)hda1 is denoted as hd0,0
if it hda2,it will denoted as hd0,1.here the 0 rpresents the hard disk number and 1 represents partition number

If u dont find the above thing ,just type a new one.
Otherwise, plz post the contents of the file that u seee in the file.you can use the command vi or in graphical mode make use of nat text editord like emacs,gedit etc
regards,
tom.

Hi I thankyou for reply. The linux bootloader is no longer on 1st hd, can get to 2nd hd via the bios no problem. Have not made mind up on which version of linux to install permanently. Looking for a version that I can install a linux program to work my internet connection card. At moment not certain what I will do. Will think on this one.

hi,
not at all a problem to install grub on 1st hd, the commmand is,
grub-install /dev/hda and ur hd no
otherwise u can use this way,make ur 2nd hd to boot first than ur first hd.Then add the lines for windows in the grub.conf file as i indicated in the previous reply.

Choose between a distro depends on your use and your skill
To get start with linux ,my choice is Ubuntu as its user interface will be better.ALso it automatically mounts the other parttions by default.After that u can switch between suse, rhel, fedora, debian etc.

to connect to internet, plz let me know whether u r using broadband or modem or cdma phones.
regards,
V.Nirmal Tom.

I thank all for suggestions. Now I have a dilemma ms have once taken windows out of linux grub loader which tells me they can do it again and if they do I must re-install windows. At this point in time windows works. Will not give up on linux. Have tried debian (too complicated) tried suse 10-1 have a problem with server over that, Mepis will only let one have that is in their archives,Ubuntu same problem. Have mandriva but must first burn iso to disk. When tried will think again. Please do not suggest use an ethernet card have a card and if will not work or cannot work will have too think again.