modifying the boot loader to dual-boot PCLOS and Win 7

[cindy]

Using the live CD I created 2 partitions on a 1 TB drive then installed PCLOS and Win 7 (in that order).   Both the PCLOS and Win 7 installations went really well. Now the computer only boots into Windows 7, which after reading several posts about dual booting PCLOS and windows I think is normal.  I don't feel I know enough about modifying the boot loader to dual-boot both OSs. I'd really appreciate guidance from some kind soul before I try. 

Please see below fdisk -l output:

Code:

Disk /dev/sda: 1000.2 GB, 1000204886016 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 121601 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes
Disk identifier: 0xb85fb630

   Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/sda1               1       38588   309958078+  83  Linux
/dev/sda2           38589       46779    65794207+   5  Extended
/dev/sda3   *       46780      121601   601007715    7  HPFS/NTFS
/dev/sda5           38589       46779    65794176   82  Linux swap / Solaris 

[Ramchu]

http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/topic,62786.msg508062.html#msg508062

[cindy]

Thank you! Seems too easy!

[Ramchu]

Thank you! Seems too easy!

Let us know if this fixed it.

[cindy]

I ran Grub. Coincidentally, my results were identical to the example.  I then re-booted the machine and PCLOS loaded, which I was glad to see. However Win 7 was not on the list of choices.

Should I try running Grub from a terminal again?  Or run "Set up a Boot System" in Control Center?   

[Old-Polack]

Using the live CD I created 2 partitions on a 1 TB drive then installed PCLOS and Win 7 (in that order).   Both the PCLOS and Win 7 installations went really well. Now the computer only boots into Windows 7, which after reading several posts about dual booting PCLOS and windows I think is normal.  I don't feel I know enough about modifying the boot loader to dual-boot both OSs. I'd really appreciate guidance from some kind soul before I try.  

Please see below fdisk -l output:

Code:

Disk /dev/sda: 1000.2 GB, 1000204886016 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 121601 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes
Disk identifier: 0xb85fb630

   Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/sda1               1       38588   309958078+  83  Linux
/dev/sda2           38589       46779    65794207+   5  Extended
/dev/sda3   *       46780      121601   601007715    7  HPFS/NTFS
/dev/sda5           38589       46779    65794176   82  Linux swap / Solaris  

First item is that your partition table is all screwed up. Your extended partition is not in fact an extended partition except in name only. It houses a single partition that covers it entirely; ie the swap partition.

Each hard drive is allowed 4 primary partitions. If more are needed, one primary partition can be designated as an extended partition which acts as a container for numerous logical partitions. What you have is, in fact, the equivalent of three primary partitions. Your /dev/sda2 and /dev/sda5 are in fact the same single partition, with two names, that serves no real purpose.

Next, you should have installed Windows first, so it would already exist when you installed PCLinuxOS, and it's grub boot loader. Had you done this, there would automatically be entries to boot both OS; as is, there will be no Windows stanza/entry in  /boot/grub/menu.lst. You will have to manually create a Windows boot stanza now.

Given the information as you've presented it, the stanza should be;

title Windows
rootnoverify (hd0,2)
makeactive
chainloader +1

You will have to edit /boot/grub/menu.lst, as root, in order to add the stanza, and be able to save the file.

[cindy]

I followed your instructions, re-booted, selected Windows from the list and it started up. Thank you for this all the help you've given me in the past.

I'm embarrassed I did such a poor job setting up the partition tables.  Since /dev/sda2 and /dev/sda5 are the same should I delete one?

[Old-Polack]

I followed your instructions, re-booted, selected Windows from the list and it started up. Thank you for this all the help you've given me in the past.

I'm embarrassed I did such a poor job setting up the partition tables.  Since /dev/sda2 and /dev/sda5 are the same should I delete one?

As you only have two real working partitions taking up the main part of the drive, and this is just the swap partition, I'd leave it alone, as long as it's working. After using the drive for a while, if you decide to repartition to separate some of the space for a home partition, or some data partitions, then ask how to do this properly. It's not that hard, but there's always a chance that something gets messed up when changing partitions on a working setup. If you did the change now, without reinstalling, more than likely the only thing that would happen would be a delay in booting time with the Linux installation, by about a minute. This can be corrected, but it would involve making a new initrd image, and really not worth the hassle.

The main thing is that you are aware of the situation, so you don't make the same mistake next time.

[cindy]

Yes, I don't often forget the lessons I learn the hard way! Thanks again!