AHH! Boot problems!

Task · 07-18-2003, 07:34 AM

Okay, here's my problem.
I have two hard drives, a 12GB one (for Linux), and a 32GB one (for Windows).
I installed Linux, and booted up a few times. Everything worked, so I created a NTFS partition on the 32GB drive to install Windows. Windows works perfectly (booting, that is), but I have no access to Linux. When I change my BIOS to boot to the 12GB drive, I get 'Error loading operating system'. No screens, nothing, just
'Scanning for boot record on IDE-1...OK
Error loading operating system'

If you need some more of my system specs, I'd be more than happy to tell.

AMD XP1800+
Integrated Sound, Video, Memory, and Ethernet.
HP 9100 CD-R/W
IDE-0: 32GB Maxtor
IDE-1: 12GB (unknown)

Thanks in advance.
-Task

Task · 07-18-2003, 08:38 AM

ANYBODY know wth is going on?

Mathieu · 07-18-2003, 10:00 AM

Which Bootloader are you using ?
GRUB, Lilo or NTLoader (Windows)

If you are using NTLoader, you will not be able to boot Linux, you will need to make some modifications to the Windows Bootloader.

It will be easier to use GRUB or Lilo.
And when you install one of them, make sure you install it in the MBR on the primary HD.

Task · 07-18-2003, 10:03 AM

Used Lilo, I don't know why my Linux messes up.
'Scanning for Boot Record on IDE-1... OK'
Error loading operating system'

Linuxpenguin · 07-18-2003, 10:14 AM

Did you try booting the Linux drive alone again?

Why are you using the BIOS to select OS's instead of LILO or Grub?

This may be of some help. http://jaeger.morpheus.net/linux/ntldr.php

Linuxpenguin · 07-18-2003, 10:18 AM

LILO. OK.

Try booting with a Linux boot floopy. If it gets you into Linux go to a terminal and type sbin\lilo.

I used this method to save a single boot machine, so you might want to research it a little before using it on a dual boot machine.

Task · 07-18-2003, 10:23 AM

Helps somewhat, but I am without Linux, so I cannot use the 'dd' command.

I have no floppy drive. I'll try using the Mandrake CD to get to a terminal.

captainstorm · 07-18-2003, 10:34 AM

Can you clear a little bit about your question?
I understand that you have two HDD, one with Linux the other with windows. You first installed linux and it is working allright. Then you installed windows onto 32G HDD. Is that correct?

OK, I just want to know how you installed windows. Stand alone installation? If so, you could not destroy the 12G Linux file. I am wondering if you installed the windows boot loader to this 12G HDD if you have put them together during installation.

If you want dual boot, I would suggest first install windows (better fat32) onto 32G, then install Linux onto 12G, putting the LILO into MBR.

Task · 07-18-2003, 01:56 PM

Yes, you are correct. And no, the Windows XP Pro isntallation didn't touch the 12GB HD (as far as I know)...

How can I install Windows to a FAT32 partition? The only options I have for formatting a partition with Windows setup are NTFS (Quick) and NTFS.

Well, as I was typing this I got an idea. I'll be back to tell you if it worked.

Task · 07-18-2003, 02:35 PM

Okay, Windows is on a FAT32 partition. I used PartitionMagic 8.0 to convert it for me.
I'm going to attempt at Linux, once again.

Just to let y'all know, this will be my 15th time installing Linux since Monday.

dangerboy · 08-18-2003, 12:27 AM

I was able to successfully dual boot on an NTFS system. I posted a reply to another thread that might help you. Take a look:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ght=lilo+ntldr