How can I tell which bootload is in use?

thekillerbean · 02-05-2007, 12:58 AM

Hi all.

I'm compiling a kernel and need to configure the boot files (/etc/grub.conf or /etc/lilo.conf) but I'm not sure which one to modify. How then can I tell which boot loader (Grub or Lilo) the system is using?

Cheers,
tkb.

kstan · 02-05-2007, 01:20 AM

since u use redhat, i believe u use grub.

syg00 · 02-05-2007, 02:54 AM

First up you'll need to know which disk is being used - for some eyecatchers, try (as root) something like

Code:

dd if=/dev/hda count=1 | strings

BTW, /etc/grub.conf is unlikely to be the correct file - have a look in /boot/grub.

thekillerbean · 02-05-2007, 04:10 PM

Thanks all. Before I posted this, I had Googled for "which boot loader" but did not find anything relevant. After changing my search term to "which bootloader" I found many references and the one I liked, due to simplicity, was:

Code:

grubby --bootloader-probe

Thank you kstan for making the correct assumption as I completely forgot to mention which distro I was asking the question for. It was for an older version of Red Hat (running kernel 2.2.16) and yes it was indeed Grub.

Now, how do I change to Lilo?

Cheers,
tkb.

kstan · 02-06-2007, 10:26 PM

i think there is some GUI for you to choose the bootloader, long time never try redhat6/7. Totally forget. If you have the installation disc, browse into it and install lilo related package.