Adding Win2k to a linux system (dual boot) questions

[haut]

I am currently running SuSE 8.2 and since school is starting up I'm going to need Windows to run some programs (Code V in particular), but I want to keep my linux installation. As I understand it, the Win2k installation will rewrite my MBR so that it will only boot windows. I don't have Partition Magic and don't feel like buying it (it also probably doesn't support the ResierFS partitions I have anyways), so I'd like to use GRUB. I made a boot floppy for SuSE and still have my install CDs for it, so here's my question: if I install Win2k as normal on a partition NOT in front of the drive (but before cyl 1024), will I be able to use my boot floppy and rescue my linux install? If I could get into SuSE then I can make a new boot configuration and rewrite the MBR (YaST rules!) and put Windows as an option. I'll keep everything thats sensitive on a separate partition so I don't accidentally mess anything up, but I'd rather not have to reinstall Linux if I don't have to. Thanks for the help and I realize that it might sound confusing, but I'll try to answer any questions to clear it up. THANKS!!!!!!
--Ryan

 

[cleverhandle]

Originally posted by: haut
I made a boot floppy for SuSE and still have my install CDs for it, so here's my question: if I install Win2k as normal on a partition NOT in front of the drive (but before cyl 1024), will I be able to use my boot floppy and rescue my linux install?

Yes. But you have tested out that floppy, right? And maybe have an extra?

 

[haut]

Good idea about testing it! I was just going to dive right in, but I'll make a second one and test this one just to be sure. Thanks!
--Ryan

 

[drag]

Look into the GRUB bootloader. I don't know if SuSE uses lilo or grub by default, but grub is much more sophisticated bootloader.

It can trick the windows install into thinking that is overwriting the mbr, when it really writing it to the partition, plus it can fool it into thinking the partition it is using is the first one, but it is realy writing on some extended partition.

Pretty slick, I installed XP once using it and first you boot up with grub (with my nice little splash image of a sunset over a beach) you sellect the windows selection and it activates the windows ntldr. Then from then on the windows thinks the partition order is what you tell it, instead of what is realy on the disk.

The hardest part is just getting grub installed and set up if you already have lilo set up... boot floppy disks are a must.

here is a howto describing how to install linux first then windows. It's windows 98, but it would work with w2k or xp, then haven't gotten any smarter since then

That chainloader command is the key and make sure that you boot into grub FIRST, then put the CD in and have Grub boot the install cd instead of the bios!

Also just so you know their is a common linux utility for resizing partitions: sfdisk. However it seems pretty spooky, maybe partition magic would be better.

Here is a grub manual if you want to check out some details before you jump to it. Never hurts to do a bit more research!

good luck! And be sure to back up before resizing the partitions that can be screwy even when it seems to go perfectly.

 

[Aznmask]

Make it easier..

Back up all your stuff in cdr. THen format your drive and then partition your harddrive into 2. THen install 2K.. then SuSe 8.2

 

[drag]

How's that easier? I'd rather just type grub-install /dev/hdX and copy and paste a config file. Repartition the HD is the only thing I don't like, but the rest is cake if you can follow directions.

Oh well, just do what ever your comfortable with. Just remember that if you going to reinstall linux into a different partition then you originally did your going to have to edit the /etc/fstab file so your OS knows which partition is which and reconfigure your bootloader to boot up to the different partition.

 

[haut]

Well I'm typing this now on Win2k, but sadly I had to erase my Linux partition It seems that the installer won't boot (after the initial CD copying) unless its installed on the first drive. Thats really cool to hear about GRUB (which I was using), but too bad I didn't use it. Oh well, the SuSE install is easy and won't be a big deal. I backed up everything to my 3rd partition and my laptop, just to be sure, so nothing is lost. Thanks to everyone who commented and next time I'll definitely check out some of GRUBs more advanced features.
--Ryan

 

[Flatline]

Looks like I got here late, but I seem to remember that if you boot from the install CDs, SuSE gives you the option of booting from your installed system (in other words, it finds the files in the /boot directory and accesses them like a bootloader), and once you're in you can re-install GRUB; I used that a couple of times on a friend's machine when he hosed his bootloader.
Maybe it will help if you ever want to install Windows over SuSE again...