Dual booting?

[fvs]

I just spent about 10 hours today redoing everything I had done .
1) I installed win xp on my first drive hda
2) I installed fedora 5 on top of win xp hda
3) Next I installed Fedora on second drive hdb
Now I can only see fedora and win xp on (Grub)boot up.
How do I get to the second drive to boot?

[bob]

Well, you can edit /boot/grub/grub.conf to add the additional entry for FC, keeping in mind that you'll be referencing the drive as (hd1,0), if it's on the first partition, instead of (hd0,0).

I'm having problems figuring out why you installed it twice or is the second drive FC4 instead of FC5?

Whichever version it is, make sure you reference the right kernel for that version - you can double-check the kernel from the download site. Also, you'll have to edit it to adjust for newer kernels as they occur.

[fvs]

Well, you can edit /boot/grub/grub.conf to add the additional entry for FC, keeping in mind that you'll be referencing the drive as (hd1,0), if it's on the first partition, instead of (hd0,0).

I'm having problems figuring out why you installed it twice or is the second drive FC4 instead of FC5?

Whichever version it is, make sure you reference the right kernel for that version - you can double-check the kernel from the download site. Also, you'll have to edit it to adjust for newer kernels as they occur.
I really only wanted fedora 5 on first hda and win xp on the hdb, I tried all week and couldn't get it to work and everyone said you have to have win first so I redid evrything to this order, I would like it to be switched. BTW I have Fedora 5 on both drives, this was just to see if it worked. Thanks for help, I really need it, I'm going nuts with linux.

[bob]

Ah, well here's the way I've always told people to do it: http://www.fedorajim.homelinux.com/ - Of course, NOW I mention it, after you're all finished....

[fvs]

Ok, It booted to second drive, but as it loaded it got (kernel panic) I had to reboot to stop it, How can I just
load fedora onto the second drive now to correct it? Can I do a complete reinstall?
I just read that artcle and I have to try it out,,Not clear about bios part, I have hda as primary and hdb as secondary, do i have to switch? Also install Grub into MBR of linux drive (/dev/hdb).
I'm just about lost.

[bob]

Well, what was the cause of the kernel panic? Did you read anything just before it happened? Try this: edit your grub.conf and remove the 'rhgb quiet' from the end of the kernel line on the second drive. That will allow you to see the boot process and where things go wrong. Actually, I had a kernel panic that was fixed by just removing it too.

As the reinstall on that second drive - probably no need. You can install a second grub bootloader on it by becoming root (su -) on your first hd FC5 and then:

grub-install --recheck /dev/hdb (thanks for the quick cut & paste, Seve)

Then, try to go into the bios and change the boot order of the drives so that hdb boots first and see if grub loads FC5 from that drive.

[fvs]

Did all the above and no results, The thing I couldn't do is change the priority in my bios, It say to choose device and use arrow up or down or + & - but it wont move, I tried each and no results it has auto detect.
OK what if I disconnect power to hda and do a reinstall, do you think that will work now that grub sends me to second drive? BTW I read a few lines from the panic screen had alot of stuff wrong one thing stood out about the fstab being wrong?
I used to live in Oswego, NY and still have family there.

[bob]

Your bios sounds like mine - simply go to that boot area, drop down to hard drives and hit the minus key and the highlighted drive drops to second spot. After that, F-10 and it will boot the second drive. I've played that game with dual-bootloaders for awhile when trying to get LILO to recognize LVM's. No luck with that!!!

So, if you CAN do that, then my suggestion would be to set up your drives as Jim mentions - where each drive is completely separate and apart and only the bootloader connects them.

Yeah, Oswego is about 2+ hours from here. I have a son who lives in Fulton now. For three seasons of the year, those towns are a great place to live - near the lake and also near enough to the major cities of Syracuse and even Rochester. Of course, after October you're not going anywhere.... :D

[bob]

BTW, here's how my /etc/fstab looks for FC5:

/dev/VolGroup00/LogVol00 / ext3 defaults 1 1
LABEL=/boot /boot ext3 defaults 1 2
devpts /dev/pts devpts gid=5,mode=620 0 0
tmpfs /dev/shm tmpfs defaults 0 0
proc /proc proc defaults 0 0
sysfs /sys sysfs defaults 0 0
/dev/hda5 swap swap defaults 0 0
/dev/VolGroup00/LogVol01 swap swap defaults 0 0

So, maybe you're pointing your grub.conf for the hdb at the wrong partition? Try signing onto a terminal as root (su -) ...yes, the space and minus sign are important... and then checking 'fdisk -l' to see if you're looking at the right partition on hdb.

[fvs]

BTW, here's how my /etc/fstab looks for FC5:

/dev/VolGroup00/LogVol00 / ext3 defaults 1 1
LABEL=/boot /boot ext3 defaults 1 2
devpts /dev/pts devpts gid=5,mode=620 0 0
tmpfs /dev/shm tmpfs defaults 0 0
proc /proc proc defaults 0 0
sysfs /sys sysfs defaults 0 0
/dev/hda5 swap swap defaults 0 0
/dev/VolGroup00/LogVol01 swap swap defaults 0 0

So, maybe you're pointing your grub.conf for the hdb at the wrong partition? Try signing onto a terminal as root (su -) ...yes, the space and minus sign are important... and then checking 'fdisk -l' to see if you're looking at the right partition on hdb.
Tried to reboot and lost my eth0 connection last night and I had a hell of a time to get it back,
I'm in WIN now as I write to you, Haven't tried Fedora yet to see if I can get back my connection. This linux is sure finicky and hard to get going, I guess that's why it's free.
OK, I think I'll pass with trying to install the second hard drive for now, I need some time to rest up and recover, Ha, Ha. Well maybe I'll find an easy way some other time.
How can I increase the size of my hda for now and just dual boot? Here's what I have now;
64 gig NTFS 7.75 Linux, Like to have it about even, If I can, Let you know if I can get fedora online after this note to you.
BTW I'm a Grandfather 0f 11, 10 boys and 1 girl and I'm retired and love computers, Have 3 boxes 1 Mac OS X , 1 PC Win XP & this box Biostar TForce 6100 Win/Linux.
Thanks for your help. fvs ;)
PS I'm back online in fedora, Had to reinstall drivers, See what I'm talking about finicky linux,
never know whats next.

[bob]

Sure, take a break, you've earned it! Enjoy the holiday with your grandkids - I've got two grandsons now and a third on the way. Also retired and love the machines too, although just the one box at the moment. If you do want to repartition your primary drive, just defrag XP and back up your stuff once again, then bump FC up a bit, which I believe will also involve another reinstall.

As to linux being finicky, it really isn't, although you're having your fair share of problems right now. FC is beautiful once in full bloom, so the best is yet to come. However if you want to see just how easy Linux can be, try a live CD of PCLinuxOS, the other distro I dual-boot to. It's a fun distro, runs and installs off one CD, has a built-in partitioner and is designed to dual-boot with Windows.

[fvs]

Hi Bob, Leaving to go to a wedding, but here is my /etc/fstab;

/dev/VolGroup01/LogVol00 / ext3 defaults 1 1
LABEL=/boot1 /boot ext3 defaults 1 2
devpts /dev/pts devpts gid=5,mode=620 0 0
tmpfs /dev/shm tmpfs defaults 0 0
proc /proc proc defaults 0 0
sysfs /sys sysfs defaults 0 0
/dev/VolGroup01/LogVol01 swap swap defaults 0 0
/dev/VolGroup00/LogVol01 swap swap defaults 0 0

I don't see hdb in there is this the problem?
Talk to you soon. fvs

[bob]

Well, the /etc/fstab is just your hda. You'd have to use the Recovery CD or perhaps Knoppix to see hdb and get info from that, since it won't boot. Let's try something different though - how about posting your grub.conf and let's see if there's a problem with how it's worded. Also might as well go into root (su -) and post the 'fdisk -l' results. Between the two items, we can tell if it's looking at the right items.

Here's the thing - FC5 boots fine on your hda, just needs a bit more space. You've got the same equipment just a different hard drive for hdb, so since you've used the same installation CD's, there's no reason why you shouldn't have the same results. We just have to get that fool grub.conf working properly. BTW, I'm heading out for relatives for the day, and will be spending the night so won't be back online until sometime tomorrow, but anyone else who can take a look, please make any adjustments needed. Thanks!

[fvs]

Bob, I'm addicted, here it is;

Disk /dev/hda: 80.0 GB, 80026361856 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 9729 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes

Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/hda1 * 1025 9391 67207927+ 7 HPFS/NTFS
/dev/hda2 1 13 104391 83 Linux
/dev/hda3 14 1024 8120857+ 8e Linux LVM

Partition table entries are not in disk order

Disk /dev/hdb: 20.0 GB, 20020396032 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 2434 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes

Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/hdb1 * 1 13 104391 83 Linux
/dev/hdb2 14 2434 19446682+ 8e Linux LVM
[root@localhost ~]#


default=0
timeout=5
splashimage=(hd0,1)/grub/splash.xpm.gz
hiddenmenu
title Fedora Core (2.6.16-1.2122_FC5)
root (hd0,1)
kernel /vmlinuz-2.6.16-1.2122_FC5 ro root=/dev/VolGroup01/LogVol00 rhgb quiet
initrd /initrd-2.6.16-1.2122_FC5.img
title Fedora Core (2.6.15-1.2054_FC5)
root (hd0,1)
kernel /vmlinuz-2.6.15-1.2054_FC5 ro root=/dev/VolGroup01/LogVol00 rhgb quiet
initrd /initrd-2.6.15-1.2054_FC5.img
title Other
rootnoverify (hd0,0)
chainloader +1
title second
root (hd1,0)
kernel /vmlinuz-2.6.15-1.2054_FC5 ro root=/dev/VolGroup01/LogVol00
initrd /initrd-2.6.15-1.2054_FC5.img
[root@localhost ~]#

[bob]

Guess I'm addicted too - got to leave in an hour. Anyway, that all sure looks right. Crazy thing to ask, but did you add a line (hit enter) after the last line on your grub.conf? That would make a difference.

And, if that doesn't do it, when you come to your grub menu at the boot cycle, hit 'e' and then edit that line for /dev/VolGroup01 to /dev/VolGroup00 . It sure looks perfect as is, but it's another thing to try.

[fvs]

Guess I'm addicted too - got to leave in an hour. Anyway, that all sure looks right. Crazy thing to ask, but did you add a line (hit enter) after the last line on your grub.conf? That would make a difference.

And, if that doesn't do it, when you come to your grub menu at the boot cycle, hit 'e' and then edit that line for /dev/VolGroup01 to /dev/VolGroup00 . It sure looks perfect as is, but it's another thing to try.

Don't understand "did you add a line (hit enter) after the last line on your grub.conf"? That would make a difference. What a'm I suppose to do? Do I need to hit enter? or just leave cusor at end of the last entry? Not clear on that one, I'll try to reboot and edit the /dev/volGroup01,
As you can see I'm back. Thanks. fvs

[bob]

Yes, I should have mentioned it before, but after you add something to the bottom of a file like 'grub.conf', always hit enter one more time to essentially add a blank line. I have no idea why, but it can mess things up if you don't . Pretty easy to do now, of course, just have to reopen with gedit, scroll down to the bottom, hit 'enter' and then save, close and exit the terminal.

BTW, I'm back too. Turned out our family threw a surprise 40th. anniversary party for us yesterday and all the kids came in from 3 1/2 hours away, plus our local friends & family. Had to put them up and entertain this morning with boating and fishing on the lake, but very nice. Hope the wedding was great too!

Back to it.. here's why I was suggesting changing the VolGroup01 to 00 - check a sample of my grub.conf:

default=0
timeout=8
splashimage=(hd0,0)/grub/splash.xpm.gz
hiddenmenu
title Fedora Core (2.6.16-1.2122_FC5)
root (hd0,0)
kernel /vmlinuz-2.6.16-1.2122_FC5 ro root=/dev/VolGroup00/LogVol00
initrd /initrd-2.6.16-1.2122_FC5.img

And, here's my fdisk -l :

Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/hdb1 * 1 13 104391 83 Linux
/dev/hdb2 14 9729 78043770 8e Linux LVM


So, it sure looked like yours, except for that change.

[fvs]

Bob, I'm sorry i didn't get back sooer, I got inpatitant and install suse 10.1 on the hda so i could work it out better with fedora on the hdb, I got it to recognize it to boot, but now i get this message "Mount unknown, filesystem Type "swap"
mount busy /dev/ devise busy
kernel panic not syscing
Kill
I working hard.

[bob]

So, now SuSE's looking at your swap and thinking that's all there is. That probably has to do with Fedora's LVM. I had the same problem with PCLOS's LILO trying to configure it to boot FC. Just won't work since LILO doesn't like LVM.

Let's try going back to the BIOS switch. If it has the option to switch drives, it's got to work. Under Boot, select the hard drives and when one's highlighted, hit the minus sign to switch drives. If we can get that to work, at least we can do the grub fix off CD1 or the Rescue CD:

You'd type: 'linux rescue'
Next: 'chroot /mnt/sysimage'
Then: 'grub-install /dev/hdb' to install grub in the mbr of the second drive.

Once that takes, we can add to the /boot/grub/grub.conf

title Other Drive
rootnoverify (hd0)
chainloader +1

That should pass the boot from grub on the Fedora drive over to whichever bootloader is on hda and then you can select Windows or SuSE from there.

[fvs]

Hi Bob, Nothing is working, I'm taking a break from this project for now and I think you need a break also (a long deserved one) I have suse 10.1 and win xp in place of fedora 5 on the hda (Master), fedora 5 on hdb (slave), leaving them there.
Suse has a lot of tools and maybe with trial and error I'll get some insight.
Tried bios again and for some reason can't make swich, I think that the autodetect has something to do with me not able to move up or down, I can do it with cd drive but not with hd, oh well I'll just keep trucking.
My info;
Award Bios CRU51-M7T
MB Biostar TForce6100
AMD Sempron 64
Corsair 1 gig
Seagate 80
WD 20
Guess that's it for now, Hey, Thanks again Bob, you been great. fvs

[fvs]

Hi Bob, I'm back after all my tries and errors, The latest thing I tried was to reformat my second hard drive (hdb) and then disconnected my primary (hda) and installed win XP. Now this is the situation, I have windows xp alone and Fedora alone.
Master (hda) Fedora 5
Slave (hdb) Win XP
I haven't connected (hda) yet to try to see what Grub boot will see, I'll get back into grub.conf to map it
and see if I can boot up. Never figured out what to do about switching bios around.
Well I'm back. fvs

[bob]

Okay, good luck on that. In this case, Windows should be 'hd1,0' and don't forget to add an extra line by hitting the 'enter' key after typing the info into grub.conf. Crossing my fingers....

[fvs]

Bob, It only boots fom win xp now, Went into bios and now the priority is (hdb) slave and (hda) master is second, I didn't physically change it myself? How can I boot Fedora without changing it or disconnecting it? LOL fvs
Late breaking news!
Guess what? Went back to Bios and found the fix, Even though it says to use PU/+/PU/- you can't move up or down, BUT, PU means page up and PD means page down ( Dumb me) I thought that it was just + and - Live and learn.
Now i can select drives from Bios, next I like to get grub straighten out. WOW!

[fvs]

Bob, Sucess at last, Now I can boot each operating system on seperate HD with grub,
Here's what I have Fedora 5 on (hda) Win xp on (hdb) grub configured,
title Windows XP
map (hd0) (hd1)
map (hd1) (hd0)
rootnoverify (hd1)
chainloader +1
My Bios is the same with (hda) master (hdb) slave, It works, Now how would I install a linux distro on (hdb) Windows from this set up? I keep experimenting with this system, I hope it's not to much to ask?
Thanks for staying with this Dummie. fvs

[bob]

Now how would I install a linux distro on (hdb) Windows from this set up?

EEP! Already???? Well, congrats on your efforts and results! And, the next distro should be just as easy :rolleyes: . Well, of course, you've got to partition the drive and install it, but do a bit of research on it's bootloader. If it's LILO, it's a bit more advanced than grub, since LILO won't recognize the LVM partitions created by default with FC. There's still a way to do it, but you'd just pass the boot from grub to the lilo loader and have both boot the system. This is the little addition that allows that:

title Lilo
root(hd0,1) < you'll have to change to suit your drives - might be (hd1,0), etc...
chainloader +1

Of course, if it's grub, there's no real problem. Have grub install itself on the windows drive in the mbr. I wouldn't overwrite the FC grub. Once installed, you'll just copy off the grub.conf for the new distro into the FC grub and make sure it's pointing to the right drive and partition. I did that with SuSE 10.1 a week or so ago and had no problems. Also copied FC's grub.conf data into SuSE's grub.conf so that either way I had the bios switch pointed, I could boot all three distros.

HAVE FUN! (and keep those installation discs close by!) :D

[fvs]

One more thing, When I put in CD to install new distro it will boot to the install distro, But how dose it know which hd to install on if it see's linux and windows it would want to install on the linux first before windows,
How to get perpared?

[bob]

Well, you have to partition the drive (ony 4 primary partitions permitted, by the way, the rest are 'ext') and cut windows space back. Since this is a new Windows install, you'll be fine, otherwise I'd be telling you to defrag the drive first. Windows will be in the first position and linux on subsequent partitons. You can use the 'swap' space from your other drive, although some distros may have a problem with that if it's part of the LVM from Fedora. Safest way is to add a swap space on the other drive, but only one swap will suffice for multiple distros.

Way off base there... but now you've got your distro ready to install. Make sure you know your partitioning scheme and that it's installing itself in the 'empty' space on your Windows drive. You may have to use the 'custom' or 'expert' settings if it seems to want to over-write another linux distro. I had SuSE wanting to do that until I went into 'expert' . Also make sure it's just installing on the one drive and not on both.

So, that's the basics. Each of them have a slightly different installer and it can be fun playing with different ones. You'll get the hang of it shortly and after one or two, it will be second nature. Have fun!

[fvs]

Thanks Bob, fvs

[fvs]

Hi Bob, I'm back, I tried a bunch of the distros on live disk, but I couldn't get PCBSD on live so i installed it,
on my second (hdb) with windows, When installing pcbsd I choose not to install bootloader, I think that was recommend so i t wouldn't interfer with my grub loader, I rebooted, but I couldn't boot pcbsd, went into grub.conf and added this line under windows, not sure if it's right,

title Windows XP
map (hd0) (hd1)
map (hd1) (hd0)
rootnoverify (hd1)
chainloader +1

title FreeBSD
root (hd1,1)
chainloader +1
I'm not sure of if its right? have a look, Thanks fvs
Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/hdb1 * 1 21899 11036623+ 7 HPFS/NTFS
Partition 1 does not end on cylinder boundary.
/dev/hdb2 21899 38026 8128449 a5 FreeBSD
/dev/hdb3 38027 38792 385560 5 Extended
Partition 3 does not end on cylinder boundary.

[bob]

Well, you've found exactly the problem that I had with PC-BSD. If absolutely trashed my partitions and nothing would boot. I finally had to format the entire drive and reinstall everything. In my case, I was originally going to install it as a third partition, but I still had an old NTFS, failed Windows partition that I decided would be better for it. Fatal mistake, since it not only trashed that, but everything afterwards and only PC-BSD would boot and then only if I used their bootloader.

Got to tell you that I'd recommend you going back in, if you can still use your Windows, and using a partitioner and wiping the rest of the drive out then re-setting it to boot something else.

[fvs]

Hi Bob, I got it booting (PCBSD) in the grub and it's a new learing curb all over again, I barely got into Linux and now FreeBSD is a little daunting, Have to get a book on this one. So far it looks the same as linux only the unix commands are a little different and it's KDE desktop, It recognized all my hardware and I got right onto the web last night, however when I went to customize my desktop and change my display this morning I lost my browser and can't get it back. Network shows that my nic and DHCP are enabled, but can't get Hostname & Domain name striaght? Weird, I'll have to go to the PCBSD forum and hunt.
OK for now just keeping in touch. fvs

[bob]

LOL, okay - have fun with that! And, when you REALLY want to experiment, try Syllable: http://www.syllable.org/ - It's not Linux, not BSD, not Windows, not Mac.... it's a true alternative! - As info, I downloaded the Live CD and booted, only to think my 'puter was screaming in pain. Turns out that it was a glitch with the sound drivers and once I shut off the speakers, at least I was able to explore a bit. Ah, 'tis a Wide Wonderful World out there!

[fvs]

Relly enjoying this new adventure, Great to have others of like minds.fvs

[fvs]

Hi Bob, am I in hot water, Last night I went into win xp to check on an address I had stored in one of my files, Well when I tried to get out it wouldn't let me,so I just rebooted, Then it happened, nothing but a black screen and no start up Bios to help me, tried to disconnect and power up, no dice, So I had to reset my cmos and got back on. Now it boots up fedora 5, But it wont recognize my sound card or my nic? Went back into bios and rechecked it, It was the same as before, It seems that my drivers disapeared. I have the disk with the divers on, But they wont mount in the CD drive, I get the message that "can't mount CD", Whats up with that? How can I get Fedora to see my pci cards (NIC) (Sound)?
I did a linux resuce and it can't find my RealTec Nic. DHCP, Lol this stuff is tough on the nerves, Ha, Ha.
Well if you can tell me how to load drivers into linux that will help me, Second I need a tutorial on proper settings on the Bios, I can get around it, But there a few thing I have 'nt got.
If you can help I'd appreciate it much, I'll go Googling around for now and see what I can learn.
Thanks once more, fvs :eek:

[bob]

Ouch! This is sounding like a motherboard problem. Resetting the bios (CMOS) should put everything back to default setting, which is fine. You've got Windows drivers for your motherboard, I'm sure. The thing is that linux could care less about those drivers, since it should recognize the card and nic from the motherboard. You can search the Forum for info and workarounds on your specific cards, etc. BUT, FC-5 had already recognized them at the first install and now doesn't. What I suspect is a motherboard failure, however you're going to have to get that checked out. One cheap thing to try: If it's an old board (2-3+ years) replace that 'watch' battery on the board, a cheap fix at Walmart. Sometimes a dying battery will make a good board act crazy.

[fvs]

Bob, You're right on, It was that when I reset jumpers for the cmos on MB they where very close and I guess that my hand fit so tight that it disturbed th cards, I went back in and pushed the cards with a little pressure and booted up again and Wala! Back to normal. Also, one other thing I deleted win xp, and made a new partion on hdb that's a linux (83) nothing in there yet, I still have PC-BSD on the other.
This box is new, I just built it in May and it's a micro atx and dose'nt have to much room to work you barely can get anything more into it, very tight. It works great, but tough to work on. Thanks once more.
Learning, fvs

MB Biostar TForce 6100
Sempron 2800/64
Seagate 80 gig
WD 20 gig
Nic RealTek
Evga Display
Liteon combo