GRUB emergency boot CD for a x64bit dual boot

chasfgr · 08-09-2010, 06:57 AM

Installing upgrade from Open SuSe 10.3 to 11.3.

I did it on a 32-bit laptop, aborted half way through and couldn't get back on because GRUB loader was corrupted.

No problem as there are lots of 32-bit GRUB loaders available for download, install was successful 2nd time.

I need to do the same for a desktop x64bit dual core Intel.

Can't find a x64bit GRUB loader on internet - how do I extract from my current set-up an emergency GRUB-loader CD?

r3sistance · 08-09-2010, 07:14 AM

From my understanding of how these things work, Grub works in a completely different operational mode to that of the normal OS and thus it's not even applicable if it's 32-bit or 64-bit. Is there some sort of problem that you require this for?

chasfgr · 08-09-2010, 11:04 AM

Yes, GRUB is a universal boot loader that can be used with any multi-boot OS computer. It's totally independent of the OS or machine BIOS.

It appears that there is a difference between the 32 and 64 bit versions as all the downloadeable ones make a specific point of quoting the system for which they're designed.

I need it to avoid being locked out of the WinXP sector of my desktop, if there's a misread in loading the Open SuSe 11.3 x64bit DVD.

r3sistance · 08-09-2010, 11:18 AM

Hi,

If grub misses windows XP it misses windows XP, you can just manually add the entry into Grub later on, there are many guides around... usually it's an entry like below, it will vary based on where Windows is actually located but as most people generally install windows as the 1st partition on the primary disk... this tends to usually work straight off for most.

Code:

title Windows
root (hd0,1)
chainloader +1

If I understood more what you were after it might help, however I don't think Grub being 32 or 64-bit matters in this instance, you could just use the original cd/dvd if you still have it and do a grub re-install from that however and use the grub-install command from the repair section/terminal of the disk.

chasfgr · 08-17-2010, 02:39 PM

Easy to re-install under "repair" from the SuSe 3.11 disk.

Alternative was to boot direct from Windows installation disk into the Windows partition.

Potential problem was bypassed as the installation on the desktop went without a hitch.

thorkelljarl · 08-17-2010, 02:51 PM

If you don't succeed...

You should be able to fix your bootloader with the CD you used to install with, but if you have difficulty, try this.

http://www.supergrubdisk.org/

http://www.supergrubdisk.org/wiki/SuperGrubDisk