[NTLUG:Discuss] questions about intalling Grub and MBR

[william jones]

----- Original Message ----
From: Ed Leach <ntlug at levelofdetail.com>
To: NTLUG Discussion List <discuss at ntlug.org>
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 3:23:32 PM
Subject: [NTLUG:Discuss] questions about intalling Grub and MBR


If I have a distro with Grub on the MBR of /dev/sda and then I install a
different distro on /dev/sdb and select to install Grub on the MBR, will
it install to the MBR of /dev/sda or /dev/sdb?

If it installs to the MBR of /dev/sdb then I assume the machine will
boot as before - finding Grub first in the MBR of /dev/sda.

Is this right?

Thanks,

Ed

Ed, 

Careful here, you are headed for a swamp.  When installing a new OS, it will override the original Grub.  Pay attention to the screen to find out whether it goes to sdb or sda.  It might be an option offered at installation time.  Best advice is to put Grub on MBR of /dev/sda.  Preparation is needed.  The new Grub does not know about the original OS.  Before installing a new OS, go to the original OS. Find /boot/grub/menu.lst. Copy the small set of lines starting with Title: Whiz-Bang Linux (or whatever distribution you have).  These lines will have to be added to the /boot/grub/menu.lst in the new OS.  After booting the new OS, find the same set of lines for the new OS, starting Title: Super New Linux (or whatever).  Patch these back into the menu.lst of your old OS.  Both distributions should be maintained with downloaded upgrades.  Sometimes these upgrades will switch the Grub being used without notice.  Be prepared.  If you also have W* XP installed and working, the new
 OS should include it in the new Grub.  Watch the screen instructions during installation, and do not be afraid to scrub the new install and start over.  The screen instructions will inform you when the "point of no return" is reached.  After this, your disk is being written and everything will be what you commanded, whether you really meant it or not.

William L. Jones    












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