Grub Bootloader not seeing FreeBSD

cmf5150 · 01-29-2004, 07:31 PM

I installed Fedora on my primary HD. So Fedora and it's Grub bootloader are on hda. I recently installed a second drive, hdb, and installed FreeBSD 4.9 on it. I just did a basic install and would not be opposed to wiping it and reinstalling FreeBSD. When I installed FreeBSD, at the section where it asks to install a bootloader, I chose to leave the master boot record untouched. I went through the install and rebooted. Grub came up and only Fedora showed up. Is there some way I can fix this? Can I modify something on the Fedora side, or do I need to reinstall FreeBSD?

leonscape · 01-29-2004, 07:44 PM

You just need to add the details of the FreeBSD install to the Grub menu file. For Fedora look under /etc/grub.conf or /etc/grubconf. These are actually just sim links too /boot/grub/menu.list

The lines you need to add to the botton of the file would be something like

#Booting FreeBSD
title FreeBSD
root (hd1,a)
kernel /boot/loader

This is assuming that FreeBSD main kernel and booting is on the first partition of the new disk.

cmf5150 · 01-29-2004, 08:34 PM

Grub did not like (hd1,a)

I believe that the kernel & booting is on the first partition of the new disk, but I'm not too sure. I did all defaults during the FreeBSD install, which is either the first or second partition. Then again, I'm not 100% sure.

And the kernel /boot/loader line, is that what I enter in, or do I need to replace "boot" and "loader" with actual file names?

leonscape · 01-29-2004, 08:59 PM

I don't use FreeBSD myself, but /boot/loader Is supposed to be a file that already has the correct command line for kernel booting set as FreeBSD alters a lot.

instead of (hd1,a) try (hd1,0,a). BSD uses slices and partitions which can make it tricky to get right. You may be better off on the grub command line so you can find the right setting. In linux bring up a console and su to root. The simply type grub, it will take a while to load as it examines your disks, be patient.

When the grub promt appears type
root (hd1,0,a)
find /boot/loader

If this is the correct place it will find the loader if not, you can experiment with other roots till you get the right one. One you found it quit grub. and enter the correct root in your menu.list.