how to make a dual-boot system on a linux system

RoyalGala · 03-02-2006, 10:19 PM

I've read lots of articles about how to resize Windows partitions then install dual-boot linux system. Now I have a situation in opposite.

I have a notebook installed with Fedora4. Now I want to resize the linux partition to install Windows XP to make a dual-boot system. Can anyone give me a detailed solution how to accomplish this task?

BTW, the notebook has no floppy drive, I can only use USB pen.

RoyalGala · 03-02-2006, 10:33 PM

Forgive me, i'm a newbie on linux, even I read another thread I am still not sure how to do it. let me make my questions more directly:

1. I have only one HD and I cannot add additional HD on the notebook. So I have to shrink the linux partition first(It can make 10G free space for XP) What utility I can use to shrink the linux partition? and how to do it?

2. After I install XP I assume I cannot boot into linux anymore, how can I run the grub install program to rebuild the MBR and the OS select menu?

IceChant · 03-03-2006, 12:59 AM

QTParted can do it, yes windows will prolly take over the mbr but make boot floppy to linux and use it after you'll be in linux reinstall lilo or grub, there're more ways as to use "bootpart" from inside windows and get the windows bootloader to boot linux (will work only if you installed the linux bootloader to the root partition).

RoyalGala · 03-03-2006, 12:19 PM

Thanks IceChant for your reply. Could you give me steps about how to user windows bootloader to boot linux as I don't have a floppy drive.

bigjohn · 03-03-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyalGala

Thanks IceChant for your reply. Could you give me steps about how to user windows bootloader to boot linux as I don't have a floppy drive.

google for it maybe ???

Or have a quick check of the fedora, because I know that both SuSE and Mandriva will "re-install linux bootloader" if you boot the install disc then hit one of the "F" keys for advanced options, then you just run "rescue" and one of the options is to re-install the linux bootloader, but I don't know if fedora offers that facility.

regards

john

IceChant · 03-03-2006, 03:30 PM

http://www.winimage.com/bootpart.htm
To use it as I said you need to have the lilo/grub installed on the root partition, either way I think you should try the rescue option bigjohn talked about, when I tried Blag (based on FC) it had rescue boot option so I'm sure FC has one too.

bioalchemist · 03-03-2006, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjohn

google for it maybe ???

Or have a quick check of the fedora, because I know that both SuSE and Mandriva will "re-install linux bootloader" if you boot the install disc then hit one of the "F" keys for advanced options, then you just run "rescue" and one of the options is to re-install the linux bootloader, but I don't know if fedora offers that facility.

regards

john

It doesn't matter. A knoppix disk will do the same thing.