Re: [Sheflug] Changing Distributions - Complete Linux Newbie question

[Pete Collier <pecb [at] xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Thursday 30 September 2004 20:18, linux [at] glead.demon.co.uk wrote:
> On Wed, 29 Sep 2004 21:50:19 +0100, Pete Collier Pete Collier 
<pecb [at] nildram.co.uk> said:
> >On Wednesday 29 September 2004 20:20, Alex Hudson wrote:
> >> On Wed, 2004-09-29 at 20:06 +0100, Linux [at] glead.demon.co.uk wrote:
> >> > A short while ago I decided that I would take a look at Linux as an
> >> > Alternative to M$. My computer normally runs XP, but I have installed

> >>
> >> You have to be pretty careful at the moment, unfortunately. There is a
> >> problem in a number of current GNU/Linux distributions where if you
> >> install GNU/Linux after Windows, you stop Windows from being able to
> >> boot. This also prevents the FIX(Boot/MBR) tools from working, and re-
> >> installation of Window also doesn't work :D
> >
> >snip
> >
> >> Cheers,
> >>
> >> Alex.
>
> Snip
>
> When I installed Mepis it put Lilo boot loader in my MBR. If I disconnect
> the main HDD with winXP on it before installing SuSE will Lilo still work?
> Will the boot bits of SuSE be found by Lilo or does SuSE needs its
> own/require Lilo to be reconfigured somehow?
>
> Cheers Geoff

Geoff, 
	The Lilo installed by Mepis will not boot SuSE as SuSE will be using a 
different kernel version. However, in the current Linux Format magazine, 
issue 59, there is a utility called SmartBootManager that claims to boot 
win2000. I had the same problem on a friends machine where Win2000 gave the 
same problem in booting as people say about XP after installing a Linux 
distro using the 2.6 series kernel. I would still advise disconnecting the XP 
drive during your Linux install. That will put a boot loader in your second 
hard drive which reading quickly, is what I think SmartBootManager needs.
	If you have a fast internet connection, you have my permission to contact me 
directly and I'll email you the utility (saves having to chase around and buy 
the magazine). You could then read it thoroughly, see what you think. It'll 
be late tomorrow but that will give chance for someone mean time to come up 
with their views/experience if I'm wrong, or, with a better solution.
Peter C
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