Ok, so I am attempting to do a dual boot with windows.

I started the Windows install and let install the NFTS on it's side of the partition. Did not allow it complete install yet, I just put the Linux CD in after windows restarted from doing format on the nfts partition.

Now I have two 40g partitions, one is NFTS - Which will have XP on it and the other is nothing on it.

I began to do an install and I ran into an array of problems. I don't know how to break up the partition properly. I used cfdisk and I was told to have a root, swap and a boot. So I did all the according to the sizes that I was told.

Now I was told with the boot I need something called lilo or grub. I lack a floppy drive so I do I obtain this on my computer?

All in all, I need some one on one with someone who can help me.

Please do not tell me to not use slackware because I am new. I want to learn the hard way and I will not give up.

Thanks,

Nick

Lilo is installed during Slackware Installation.

ok, so how do I use it?

I am setting up swap in the setup and it is just sitting there

Says Formatting /dev/hda2 as Linx swap partition (and looking for bad blocks)...

But there is no percent bar how do I know when it's done, it is taking a long time

If you're new to Linux then any distro will be the hard way...

If you want to make a dual boot system, first install Windows and place it on a fixed partition. So if you have an 80g drive make the partition that you're loading windows in about 40g. After you're done install something like Fedora (or any Linux distro) you want to make sure that in the partition setup you don't touch the partition with windows. Last, when you get to the GRUB section of the install, tell it that you want GRUB to be your master boot control and it will auto add Windows into the Menu.

http://www.slackbook.org/html/index.html
http://www.slackbasics.org/
http://library.n0i.net/linux-unix/ad...are-unleashed/

These three links are how I got through my first install. They will give you an excellent grounding in Slackware.

mijohnst:the easiest way to install slackware properly is to follow simple instructions, im still relatively new to *nix and i found a good forum with install help... http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/...?postid=311808 i hope this helps u, i no how frustrating a new os is for a windows person lol :P

Sorry, i don't agree on using grub.
I've had some really bad problems with that one.
Use lilo instead, it's much safer in a dual boot with XP.
And install it to the MBR if your linux lies physically over 4GB (?).
There is also new tools for seeing your partition from (as long as you choose ext3 filesystem in Slackware) out on the internet (Google).

Ask ten people for an opinion and one is likely to receive 11 answers!

I've been using GRUB for three years and I never once have had a problem. Currently installed are (1) DOS 6.22 / WFWG 3.11, (2) Windows NT4, (3) Knoppix 3.4, (4) Mandrake 9.2, (5) Slackware 10.1. I also use alternate boot partitions so basically double that list as far as GRUB menu options go.

The chainloader option in GRUB passes the boot process to the NT boot loader and the NT boot loader doesn't know the difference.

I never have installed LILO. Regarding Slack, when the installation script completes I install GRUB from the extras directory. I then install GRUB to the MBR:

grub-install /dev/hda

Before rebooting I ensure my GRUB menu.lst config file is correct.

After verifying my boot works okay, I then create a GRUB emergency boot floppy:

grub-install /dev/fd0

I maintain a separate /boot partition. Perhaps that is a contributing reason why I never have had an issue with GRUB because when I install or reinstall anything I never have to reinstall or monkey with GRUB.

Just my two pennies for the day.

Sounds good to me.
Still there is a trhead somewhere about some bug with grub,
sorry, i don't remember where,
but that aside, i also used Grub before but with the new lilo
i've haven't had a problem (yet)...
Maybe it has to do with different hardware?