help bootloader

zap

ok i installed win xp and mandrivia installed xp first and used partition magic to make the partition.

bootloader went fine could boot linux but windows died half way though booting couldn;t find something or other. So i reinstalled windows and of course that over wrote the boot loader so how do i re-install the boot loader?

WizZard

Take it easy. That post above reads like your were in a major panic!

What bootloader were you using? Grub, or Lilo?

Most linux CDs allow you to boot to a rescue mode (if not then download Knoppix or similar).

Boot to it and run the commands for whichever bootloader you use:
Grub

grub-install /dev/hda

or (manually)

# grub
grub> root (hd0,0)
grub> setup (hd0) 
grub> quit 

LILO

mount /dev/hda2 /mnt  (also mount your boot partition if needed e.g. mount /dev/hda1 /mnt/boot
make sure your lilo.conf is set-up

lilo -r /mnt 

Don't forget to replace the hdx reference with the correct ones from your own system.

zap

sorry didn't mean that to come over as paniced, was just very tired.

zap

ok i cant boot into it from the installation it tried to re-install the bootloader but failed, i can't find a live cd short of downloading one what are my options?

WizZard

Download one.
Use the downloadable floppy image I linked to in my first post.

You can then boot it, mount your filesystems and run grub/LILO (which you still haven't specified) from your original partition.
You can chroot into the original hard drive with this command (may not be needed)

chroot /mnt /bin/bash

zap

WizZard wrote:

Download one.
Use the downloadable floppy image I linked to in my first post.

You can then boot it, mount your filesystems and run grub/LILO (which you still haven't specified) from your original partition.
You can chroot into the original hard drive with this command (may not be needed)

chroot /mnt /bin/bash

i was using lilo would like to change to grub though.

WizZard

You get it sorted yet?

zap

nop really lost here I dont even have a floppy drive, can i download it onto a cd or something?


Can someone give me set by set instructions on what to do as I don't get the ones above.

I would just re-install linux but I am afraid it wud wreck my xp installation again.