linux multiboot

[unknown_rules]

I have a 80 gb hdd and use only linux(no windows).I want to load 2 or 3 differnt distros.
I tried to load fedora core 2 and 4 (i need both) and after installing fc 4 got the error :13 :no executable format in /dev/hda (in this fc2 was installed).
How to rectify this error ?
Also how to dual (or triple)boot fc 4 (and fc2)with debian sarge ??


:rolleyes:
:mad: :mad: :mad:

[WhiteKnight]

hmm...
u sure u installed in /dev/hda and not some partition inside? (like /dev/hda1)

u need to the bootloader(i believe its grub) where to find the kernel for FC2..

y not post ur /boot/grub/grub.conf and 'fdisk -l'?

booting many different distros is easy.. all u have to do is to tell ur boot loader where to find those kernels and which partition is the root partition. its all in grub.conf for grub, which i believe fedora uses

[DrChuck]

I've noticed tat the Fedora distributions don't correctly set up grub for multiple linux boots. When it detects another OS on your drives, the anaconda installer always sets up grub as if the other OS is non-linux (Windows) like this:
title Windows XP SP2
rootnoverify (hd0,0)
chainloader +1
You will probably need to edit grub.conf by hand. Here is what I have for dual boot RH9 on hda2 and FC2 on hda1:
# grub.conf generated by anaconda
#
# Note that you do not have to rerun grub after making changes to this file
# NOTICE: You do not have a /boot partition. This means that
# all kernel and initrd paths are relative to /, eg.
# root (hd0,0)
# kernel /boot/vmlinuz-version ro root=/dev/hda1
# initrd /boot/initrd-version.img
#boot=/dev/hda
default=1
timeout=10
splashimage=(hd0,0)/boot/grub/splash.xpm.gz
title Fedora Core (2.6.10-1.771_FC2)
root (hd0,0)
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.10-1.771_FC2 ro root=LABEL=/1 rhgb quiet
initrd /boot/initrd-2.6.10-1.771_FC2.img
title Red Hat Linux (2.4.20-27.9)
root (hd0,1)
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.4.20-27.9 ro root=LABEL=/ hdc=ide-scsi
initrd /boot/initrd-2.4.20-27.9.img
You will need to carefully edit grub.conf to reflect your exact kernel version found in /boot for the distro you want to add. Whichever OS boots correctly now, be careful not to alter that section of grub.conf, or you won't boot at all without a rescue disk.
Good luck,
drChuck

[unknown_rules]

sorry doctor it was /dev/hda1.I will put up the grub.conf file !

[unknown_rules]

got the same error but in place of windows sp2 it was linux

title Windows XP SP2
rootnoverify (hd0,0)
chainloader +1

[unknown_rules]

how would i create a rescue disk after booting from fc4 for both fc2 and fc4 ?

also how to use the rescue [f5] option from a boot cd ?

[Parcival]

Your posts are very confusing. Please post your partitions' layout and your grub.conf so we can help better.

[saikee]

I have been working away for a while but before that I have been booting as many Linux as I can lay my hand on. The only necessary condition is to put the bootloader, be it a Lilo or a Grub, of the distro into its boot sector.

Most of the Linux distros I come across will search the boot sector of every partition and automatically include it in the boot menu.

Here is an example (http://www.justlinux.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=134856)