Idiots guide to Install multiple operating systems on a single PC
Are there any articles on this forum for idiots like me who want to install multiple operating systems on a single PC i.e. straightforward without all the unnecessary technical mumbo-jumbo which I can read about at a later date if I want to. Just straightforward easy steps for installing say, Linux on a Vista system 1 - 2 - 3 ?
I'm trying to do the same thing but I can't find the answer on the page you link to.
I have 3 OSs (Vista - XP - XP) on 3 primary partitions and want to run a fourth version of XP from a logical drive (and ideally a fifth). I understand that I need to restore an XP image to my logical drive (done that, can see it fine if it's not hidden), then edit the partition table - but nothing I try seems to work and the OS selector says that the partition is not bootable (even though I tell it that it is). *Exactly* what changes to I need to make to the partition table, and how do I do it?
Thanks
Jeremy,
You shouldn't need to edit the partition table. You would need to edit the Logical partition's boot sector (instructions can be found here).
After that, OSS probably still won't consider the partition bootable. In that case, the Logical XP menu entry needs to be added manually. See this thread (especially Post #10) for more information.
You probably have it almost figured out. If you have problems, just post back.
Are there any articles on this forum for idiots like me who want to install multiple operating systems on a single PC i.e. straightforward without all the unnecessary technical mumbo-jumbo which I can read about at a later date if I want to. Just straightforward easy steps for installing say, Linux on a Vista system 1 - 2 - 3 ?
I have the feeling any "general" guide would be too inspecific to be very helpful. Most multi-boot setups are complicated and become even more complicated when configured in isolation. Fixing them can also be a complicated process.
The easiest method of doing what you want is to install Vista and then install Linux. In most cases, the Linux boot manager (usually GRUB) will take over booting of Vista and Linux. It becomes more difficult if you don't want to use GRUB as your main boot manager (GRUB not installed to MBR) or you're installing Vista after Linux, and so on.
Most instructions end up being specific to the setup and may not be applicable on another system.