LinuxQuestions.org

LinuxQuestions.org (/questions/)
-   Linux - Desktop (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-desktop-74/)
-   -   Installing linux from windows (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-desktop-74/installing-linux-from-windows-4175470395/)

PrayingMantis 07-21-2013 11:06 AM

Installing linux from windows
 
Hello everyone,

I am wondering if there is any way by which I can replace Windows XP (which I am presently using) by linux (ubuntu). What I have is an external HDD, on which I do not want to create any partitions or install grub on it.

What I was thinking is as follows:
1) I want to find a way to install grub from within windows. Once I reboot my PC, I should see the grub prompt.
2) Once I have the grub prompt, I can set the root to my external HDD, from where I can get the kernel, initrd and rootfs.
3) After I have booted linux, I can then partition my internal hard disk and copy the initrd and kernel to appropriate locations, and configure grub accordingly so that I do not have to use an external HDD anymore.

Is this possible?

I do not want to boot my PC using my external HDD, which would require making linux partitions on it or installing grub on it.

Thanks,
Mantis

John VV 07-21-2013 12:50 PM

Quote:

1) I want to find a way to install grub from within windows. Once I reboot my PC, I should see the grub prompt.
why
seeing "GRUB > " on the screen means you have a rather big problem that needs fixing

Quote:

Once I have the grub prompt, I can set the root to my external HDD, from where I can get the kernel, initrd and rootfs.
well once you see "GRUB >"
you need to reinstall the rest of the bootloader

there are a ton of documents on reinstalling the bootloder on Ubuntu
search the ubuntu website

Quote:

After I have booted linux, I can then partition my internal hard disk and copy the initrd and kernel to appropriate locations, and configure grub accordingly so that I do not have to use an external HDD anymore.
?
what ?
can you please restate what exactly it is you want to do

yancek 07-21-2013 02:54 PM

Quote:

I want to find a way to install grub from within windows.
Good luck with that. A default installation of windows can't even read a Linux filesystem.

Quote:

Once I have the grub prompt, I can set the root to my external HDD, from where I can get the kernel, initrd and rootfs.
How are you planning to get the kernel, initrd and rootfs on the external hard drive with no partition and presumably no filesystem? Is there anything on the external drive now?

If you intend to get rid of xp, why do you not simply install Ubuntu on the internal. Unless you have some valid, undisclosed reason for trying to do what you describe you are making things unduly complicated.

PTrenholme 07-21-2013 03:35 PM

If you can boot from a USB drive or a CD/DVD, just put the Ubuntu Live system on the USB of optical drive and boot from it. From that Ubuntu, you can format, reformat, etc. your hard drive(s) and install GRUB2 on either drive.

Just forget using XP for any of that, but you really don't need XP (or any Windoze OS) to get the job done.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:37 AM.