Dual Boot But no Linux

GaLaTaS · 10-22-2007, 05:20 PM

Hi, i recently split my h/d in several partitions and in one of them i install Windows XP. Then i install Linux Debian (I use one partition as swap (500mb) and another partition as EXT2 - File System) completely. After a reboot my computer does not ask me which OS i want to use and automatically boot to Windows XP. What i must do to make the pc ask me which OS i want to use?

blackst0ne · 10-22-2007, 05:22 PM

Quote:

What i must do to make the pc ask me which OS i want to use?

To install a boot loader. For example, GRUB.

GaLaTaS · 10-22-2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackst0ne

To install a boot loader. For example, GRUB.

To install it where? I cannot boot with Linux Debian and in Windows Xp I cannot open the Partitions and view the files. They do not have letters..

Larry Webb · 10-22-2007, 05:58 PM

A "Live CD" Distro is the tool that can help. Most have Grub and you can also use commands to see your hd partitions.

blackst0ne · 10-22-2007, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaLaTaS

To install it where? I cannot boot with Linux Debian and in Windows Xp I cannot open the Partitions and view the files. They do not have letters..

In Linux. Just take your machine boot up from LiveCD.

Then create a mount point wherever you want.

Code:

 mkdir /mnt/disk

Mount your partition were you installed your Linux:

Code:

 mount -t FS_TYPE /dev/DISK_DRIVE /mnt/disk

Then you need to chroot.

Code:

 chroot /mnt/disk /bin/bash

After that, you are in Linux installed to hard disk.
Install a boot loader, configure it (I guess you'll want to add the Windows partition there) and enjoy. =)

GaLaTaS · 10-23-2007, 09:42 AM

Hi again..
I'm really new to linux and i would apreciate a lot if you could help me writing down step-by-step informations.
Where can i find a bootloader for debian?
How i boot with bootloader? I try a lot of bootloaders copying the files to a disk but none works..
Then, what steps shall i do to complete my request?

Thanks

brianL · 10-23-2007, 10:19 AM

You might be better off reinstalling Debian, and installing Grub to the MBR when it gets to that stage.