Installation help please!!
I just got a new Dell 9100 Desktop and was eager to try installing Knoppix. I have been using the CD on my old laptop but was not willing to risk losing my data (even with a backup). I had read all of the FAQs and forums prior to starting because I am new to Linux. The hard drive layout that came with the computer included SDA1 (fat16 configuration), SDA2 (ntsf Windows), SDA3 (Dell restore in fat32). I used qtparted to resize the ntsf partition into an ext3 partition. This worked without any problems. I then used the knoppix-installer from the root console. I selected to install on the ext3 partition (SDA4) and to put the bootloader into the MBR. The installation proceeded without any errors (to my knowlege). I rebooted without the Knoppix CD in, and my computer booted Windows normally. I was not given any choice about OS selection. I then re-installed and put the bootloader in the root partition, but was not able to get lilo or grub to work. I also tried using bootpart from Windows which did give me the selection of OS at bootup, but when I selected Linux it said that I needed to enter a system disk.
I would greatly appreciate any help. I know that Knoppix isn't designed for HD install, but I have tried other live CD's (SUSE, Ubuntu, Kanotix) and they don't work on my new computer (I'm guessing due to newer hardware). Thanks!
Re: Installation help please!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by soulman
I know that Knoppix isn't designed for HD install, but I have tried other live CD's (SUSE, Ubuntu, Kanotix) and they don't work on my new computer
You seem to only be looking at live CD's, even though you say that you know Knoppix isn't intended for HD install. Have you even tried to install Debian (the distro that Knoppix is based on that is intended for hard disk install)? If you have recently, what problems did you have that would be worse to resolve that the problems that are known to happen with Knoppix? And if you have not, please help me understand why people seem to keep insisting on installing Live CDs without even trying to install a current version of Debian.
Sounds like you are close
I used to use bootpart. It's a pretty good bootloader. It sounds like its not seeing your Linux partition. I switched to Loadlin.exe because it's more versatile. Anyway.
Did you first use bootpart to list the numbers of all the partitions on you hard drive? You need to do that as a first step.
At that point you need to look at the number of the Linux partition you created. That is the number you use to tell bootpart where to look for you linux partition.
It will give you a number between 1 and 15. On your computer it should be low. You need to use that number to help bootpart create the boot file it will use.
sakiZ