dual boot fedora and winXP

nclinux · 10-02-2006, 06:40 AM

I had previously installed Fedora and Win XP successfully, later I had to reinstall WinXP so the boot sector got overwritten. Now I don't get the dual boot option, it directly boots WinXP. I tried WinGRUB and GRUB4DOS, but can't figure out how to get Fedora booting. Is it possible to dual boot using grub4dos ?
or do I have to use Fedora boot cd ? Please suggest how to deal with the problem .

fatra2 · 10-02-2006, 07:25 AM

Actually, I experienced the same thing with Fedora and Windows 2000.

The thing is that when you install a Windows version, it does not look to see if there is a dual bootloeader.

The solution is to quickly reinstall Fedora. Then you should be able to choose which OS you want to boot from by default. You will also have the choice of OS.

I don't know if there is a better solution. Anyways, this one worked for me.

Cheers

tpetri1807 · 10-02-2006, 07:32 AM

Grub usually install within the MBR (Master Boot Record) of the boot partition. But if you install Windows after Linux, it will delete Grub. If you follow these steps, you can re-install it:
Boot you PC with the first one of the Fedora CDs. At the boot prompt, type

Code:

linux rescue

Follow the instructions on the screen - it will mount your system under /mnt/sysimage.
After

Code:

chroot /mnt/sysimage

you will be root in your installed system. Now all you have to do is

Code:

grub-install

Leave the shell with

Code:

exit

(2x)
reboot, and you're done.

decrepit · 10-02-2006, 07:34 AM

you can just reinstall grub, think you can do it with your fedora CD1, or you can go to the grub website and download a boot floppy file.
http://www.gnu.org/software/grub/
You should also find instructions there how to go about it.

Abhinav · 10-05-2006, 12:22 PM

Hi XP uses NTLDR boot loader......which cant take entry of any non windows boot loader.....but there is other option too...but treaky one....
u can also install xp after FC5 but Grub bootloader should be intalled in first sector of /boot not in MBR.........this can be done at installation time of Fedora...by selecting advanced boot option........

after that.....follow these step if u want to install any windows without loosing boot loader of linux.....

run this command in linux
>if=/dev/hdxx(/boot) of=/mnt/fat/linux.bin bs=512 count=1
where /mnt/fat is space in hard disk shared by both windows and linux..
now after installin window ...
booting windows
copying the linux.bin file in c drive
edit ur boot.ini
as
C:\linux.bin="LINUX"
now u will be able to boot the linux from NTLDR