Re: Multiboot install of 9.1

From: Jim Trice (jimtrice_at_linuxmail.org)
Date: 09/21/04 

Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 10:08:40 +0930

Tony Sivori wrote:

> I'm trying to install SuSE 9.1 Pro, the one on DVD that Novel gave away as
> part of a technical resource kit.
>
> The current set up is Windows 98SE and Windows 2000 on the first hard
> drive, and Mandrake 9.1 on a second hard drive. I'm ready to obliterate
> that waste of disk space known as Windows 2000. Or if it makes multiboot
> easier I can install SuSE to the second hard drive which has plenty of
> free space. I definitely don't want to lose Mandrake because it is my
> everyday OS, and even though I rarely use Windows I need to keep Windows
> 98, at least for now. I have an old scanner that works only under Windows
> 95/98.
>
> Very early in the SuSE install, the options are: clean install
> (wipe all data), update existing install (attempt to keep existing
> settings), and repair an existing install. I bailed at that point, because
> I saw no multiboot option and no way to create a new Linux partition.
>
> If I pick update an existing installation, will I eventually get to a
> partition maker that will let SuSE co exist and multiboot with Mandrake
> and Windows?

No. I have a strong suspicion that will try to "upgrade" Mandrake to SuSE.

Assuming its the same setup as the retail 9.1 Pro:

- Under "Installation Settings" choose "New Installation".

- Click on "Partitioning"

- At the bottom of the stuff on "Suggested Partitioning Scheme" select
     "Create custom partition", then click on next.

- Select "Custom Partition -- for experts"

That should get you to the front end for the partitioner.

>
> Also would it be safer to put SuSE on the second HD, or if I let it
> replace Windows 2000 on the first HD, should lilo still boot Windows 98?
>

Personally I'd put it on the second hard drive.

There is a bug in the installer that occassionally scrambles Windows' loader
if the disk with Windows on it is repartitioned during installation. As a
precaution see:

<http://portal.suse.com/sdb/en/2004/05/fhassel_windows_not_booting91.html>

SuSE defaults to GRUB. If you choose to let it be your boot manager it
should automatically add Windows to your list of boot options, and also
include an entry for Mandrakes LILO (assuming you don't over write LILO
with GRUB).

Or you can have Mandrake's LILO as boot manager, if you prefer.

Just as a precaution, its a good idea to have boot disks for each of the
installed OSes in these circumstances. 

-- 
Regards,
Jim
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