[Luna] Questions about linux.

[Len Bright]

Jake,
Don't be afraid :-).

I will just tell you what I would do.  After having installed dual boot Linux/Windows many many times I cannot think of an instance in the recent
past where I trashed the Windows installation.  It is always a good practice to 
back up your vital files.  I personally prefer Grub over lilo but either will do.  If
there is a reasonable chance you will not keep the Linux install, and as a result
not need the Linux boot loader, you can always reverse the process.  As has been suggested, there is an option to recover the MBR with XP's diskpart.  I have used it and it works. Start with a Google search of "diskpart". You should become familiar with using diskpart before continuing with the Linux install.  That familiarity should take some of the edge off of attempting a dual boot installation.

If you have a spare disk around that you could install XP on, then experiment with your Linux installation without the anxiety of attempting it with a production XP installation.  Its better to make your mistakes on a disk you have nothing to lose with.

Cheers,

-Len


Jake Morin <jacobmorin at gmail.com> wrote: Len,

I guess I could try that.  Most people have told me not to install the
bootloader on the first disk...something about messing with the mbr
(master boot record?)

There is no simple way to describe it.  You can look at these threads:

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=274259&highlight=first+time+install

and

http://www.flaglug.org/forum/viewtopic.php?id=20

Let me know if you think I should definitely install LILO on the first
drive.  I'm not really psyched about putting that HDD at risk though.

Thanks Len,

Jake



 			
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