How to change the default OS in LILO ?

wlaw · 04-17-2006, 08:08 AM

I am running Mandriva Linux 2006. As I am a newbie, could u tell me in detail ?
Thank you !

dcdbutler · 04-17-2006, 08:16 AM

Just edit the configuration file for lilo as root

# [editor you use] /etc/lilo.conf

add the line

default = [label]

where [label] is the label attribute of the OS you would like to boot first.

Here's mine for guidance

Code:

boot = /dev/hda
prompt
timeout = 50
default = Win2000
vga = normal

image = /boot/vmlinuz-ide-2.4.26
  root = /dev/hda5
  label = Slack_2.4.26
  read-only # Non-UMSDOS filesystems should be mounted read-only for checking

image = /boot/vmlinuz
  root = /dev/hda5
  label = Slack_2.6.15.6
  read-only

other = /dev/hda1
  label = Win2000
  table = /dev/hda

You're on your own for the editor to use. nano or pico are good console editors as is vim (a little more advanced).

IMPORTANT: Always run

# lilo

after editing lilo.conf

Cheers

saikee · 04-17-2006, 08:23 AM

dcdbutler,

A quality reply!

wlaw · 04-17-2006, 08:28 AM

I am sorry , I only have vi, can you teach me how to use vi ?

Thank you !

saikee · 04-17-2006, 08:44 AM

Don't be silly.

Just type

Code:

su

and supply the root password to invoke the root privileges to alter system files. You can then use the graphic editor "gedit" by

Code:

gedit /etc/lilo.conf

Learn vi by google it or buy the bible "Linux is a nutshell". It isn't something one can learn from a forum thread, judging from the way you put it.