Arch Linux

AndSmi

Member

Registered: 2007-12-25

Posts: 18

dual boot, installing arch before xp

Hi! I'm just wondering, how I can enable dualboot. I've heard that there is a way to enable dualboot even though I've installed archlinux before I installed xp. But now I cant choose whether I would like to use arch or xp. Any suggestions on how, or even an guide to enable dualboot?:P

zenlord

Member

From: Belgium

Registered: 2006-05-24

Posts: 1,221

Website

Re: dual boot, installing arch before xp

The windows installation will overwrite your MBR, so all you have to do is reboot from the Arch install cd, mount the correct drive (step 1 or 2, I dunno exactly) and the ngo directly to the last step, which is 'installing GRUB boot selector'. Install GRUB to the MBR of /dev/sda, point it to the rootpartition where Arch is installed (probably /dev/sda1) and uncomment the lines in /boot/grub/menu of the windows-section. Make sure all paths are set correctly:

/dev/sda1 = hd(0,0)
/dev/sda2 = hd(0,1)
/dev/sdb3 = hd(1,2)
...

Zl.

AndSmi

Member

Registered: 2007-12-25

Posts: 18

Re: dual boot, installing arch before xp

thnx, going to try it now;)

jacko

Member

Registered: 2007-11-23

Posts: 840

Re: dual boot, installing arch before xp

well, if u have problem and for those who wonder what zenlord said...

boot to arch linux install CD.

when it loads and gives u a set of instructions. U wanna boot with this parameter.

root=/dev/sdxx

where xx is the partion of arch install. This will load the kernel from arch install CD and mount the file system on your HD. Once it loads u will have a CLI, login and then issue the command

grub-install /dev/sdx

x = the HD MBR u would want grub to be installed too.

then edit /boot/grub/menu.lst as u see fit to get windows working.

Last edited by jacko (2008-01-13 13:11:06)