Dual boot problme

hassandit · 08-28-2010, 04:53 AM

Hello, I need some help I m using 1 IDE drive in which I have installed windows and other drive sata (using via sata to usb connector) in which I installed Centos. The main problem is I can’t remember the commands, I wanted to do, when I m not using my usb drive (in which Centos is installed) then my system boot up windows form IDE drive. Current when I unplugged Sata (Usb connector) then OS give me error (GRUB HARD DRIVE ERROR).

I know there will be a command that enable windows partition as a first boot loader. But I need ur help in this issue. Hope fully u may understand my problem.

I am w8ing 4 ur favorable reply

Thanks

M.Hassan Zaidi

serafean · 08-28-2010, 05:54 AM

Hi, first solution : unplug the SATA drive, boot the windows rescue CD, and run fixmbr (removes GRUB from the IDE drive's mbr). then install GRUB on the SATA drive, and switch your boot device at the BIOS level (boot from USB).
Second, you could leave GRUB on the IDE drive, but then you'd need to have all the necessary files on it, preferrably on an ext2 partition. Personnaly I'd do the first.

Serafean

Kenny_Strawn · 08-28-2010, 03:02 PM

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi....php?p=4080801

Please follow the guidelines, OP, provided by this post if you want any help here.

hassandit · 08-31-2010, 06:15 AM

Hello, thanks for your reply. I read it carefully and decide not write text like in sms format.But you can't say that i was not trying to find out the solution.After 1 month of trying when i was not still find any solution, I post my problem to you.And this is urget because device (SATA to USB) is my friend he want his device back.If Linux grub boot loader is still in front then I will never give him back.I simply want commands that enable my windows boot partition first.

HDC drive have windows (IDE) and
SDA drive have Centos 5 (SATA drive connected through usb to sata device)

Please help me out in this manner.

thanks.

ronlau9 · 08-31-2010, 08:44 AM

As stated before you have to restore windows bootloader on the IDE drive .
To do so boot from you're windows install media into the rescue mode and run the commands fixmbr and fixboot .
This two commands will restore the windows bootloader
And if you also wish to make the USB hd boot able you have to install GRUB on the USB HD using you're linux install media