Dual Boot & modem problem
 

I have just installed Mandrake Linux 9.0 as dual boot with Win 98.
When I boot up, the default comes up as Linux. I would like Windows to be the default. How can I change this ?

Also, my modem does not work with Linux - it does with WIN 98.
I think this is because Mandrake set it up on COM1 whereas Windows set it up on COM3. How can I change from COM1 to COM3 ?

1.$cat /boot/lilo.conf if you installed lilo and you'll find the booting order easily. Also you can modify it under X by one program in "system tools" but I forgot the name of this program.

2. What type is your modem? On most of the occasions, Linux would automatically set the appropreate interface to the port (for example /dev/modem). I suggest first trying $kppp in command line and do the modem query. If your modem "does not respond" or "can not open modem", then probably you need a new device driver for your modem.

I tried $cat/boot/lilo.conf but got the reply "No such file or directory" I don't know whether or not Mandrake installed lilo when it was setting up the dual boot. I presume you meant for me to enter this command in Konsole.

The modem I am using is aHSP56 MicroModem. I got a Windows 89 driver for this with the computer. I guess I need to find & download a Linux driver for this modem.

Regards
GeoffC

u need to download the drivers for the modem
there are many threads that deal will installing an hsp56
please do a search, and come back if u stil cant solve...
u can visit my site
http://www.infologics.tk/linux.htm
for more info on how i got a pctel modem run.

Hi Geoff C

To change the default OS that boots change the line in your lilo.conf file that says


default=..............


so

open console

su
root password
Type

kedit lilo.conf


find the line at the top that says default = .........

change it to the Label name that appears in the other=..............
entry at the bottom ie the Windows entry

It will probably be "dos"

save your lilo.conf in kedit

If it says that it cannot find lilo.conf , you may have GRUB as your bootloader. In this case, go to grub.conf and there is a line that reads:

default=x

Change x to the partition you want it to boot into as default.

I have found lilo.conf file and attempted to edit it as suggested, However I get back "The file could not be saved. Please check that you have write permission" The file is shown as read-only when I go into the "find files" facility.

I have not yet found a driver for the modem. One forum I went to had a remark that this modem is a "winmodem" and can only be used in Windows

Before you go trying "command line" stuff, you will find that if you boot into mandrake, and then go to the "mandrake control" centre " (you might have to put your root password into a dialogue box), one of the options has a facility called "boot" (I think it should be in the "System" option), when you find that, click on that and it should open a "configuration dialogue box" to start with, just click on OK, and then it comes up with another dialogue box that should have like a summary list of the different OS's I think it will probably show 5, windows, linux, linux non-FB, and two others that I can't remember (I'm using eckspee to reply to this), anyhow select the "window$" and then click "modify", when the box opens it will have all the details including a checkbox for "make this default", check that and click OK, you might also change the name if you want to (before you click OK) you will then find that the box that opens is the summary box again and that window$ should have a * next to it, indicating that you have made it "default" i.e. the os that will open automatically if you dont select anything else when the lilo graphic interface opens.

As far as your modem is concerned, you will have to search for it, go to http://www.google.com/linux and search for "winmodems" and see if yours is listed, if it isn't then you may be able to get a driver for it (you still might be able to even if it is) - if it is a winmodem, then you might end up having to get an external one (that isn't a winmodem) they are a pain in the arse and more often than not won't work under linux try searching the LQ forums for winmodems and you will see what I mean, as will as possible help

regards

John:D

Thanks bigjohn. I eventually got it sorted out by the method you suggested, but something screwed up and I had to re-install Windows & Mandrake. Anyway all is well now and I 'll start searching for a driver for the modem

One thing that I didn't mention, coming from a windows background, I automatically set the firewall (shorewall) the first time I tried things, it took me ages to work out how to get things going.

Oh, and however difficult is may become, just don't give up otherwise you are just playing further into "Billy G's" hands.

regards

John

p.s. for what it's worth, I can only use the net with linux because I have a broadband connection - the dial up internal that is in my machine is a winmodem as well.