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My PC runs on Linux (Red Hat) 9.0 and Windows 2000. I want to delete the Windows 2000 server and install Windows XP instead. I have tried to do so but after the Windows XP installation, my Linux option does not appear on the Windows screen. I have some important information saved on Linux, so please tell me how to retrieve the data. Also, please tell me how I can install only Microsoft Windows without disrupting the other functions of my PC.

Manas Ranjan Dash

The booting information of the computer is stored in the MBR (Master Boot Record). The system looks at the MBR and with the information in the MBR loads the Operating System to memory. When you installed Windows XP, you had overwritten the Linux MBR information as XP does not recognise it, you now have only the XP OS boot information in your MBR. That is why you don't get your Linux on the menu when you boot.

The normal procedure is to install Windows first and then run the Linux installation. Linux boot loader recognises the Windows boot information and writes the necessary information to the MBR to have both the OS show up in the boot menu.

Here are some methods by which you can solve your problem.

If you happen to have a Linux boot Floppy or can make one from another computer with similar installation settings, you can boot with the floppy and once in the prompt, please execute the command: /sbin/lilo - v This will overwrite the MBR information.

Another safe and easy procedure is using your Linux Boot CD. The procedure to be followed is: Make the necessary changes in your BIOS Setting so that the CD-ROM is your first boot device. Next, please insert the Linux boot CD into the CD-ROM. At the boot prompt, type "linux rescue". You are then asked to choose an installation method. Choose the Upgrade option, but please do not add any new packages. It will eventually prompt you to make a boot floppy. Insert a floppy and let the system create a boot disk. Boot from the boot floppy and mount your hard drive. That is : mount /dev/hda4 /hda4

Now execute the command: /sbin/lilo - v This will overwrite the MBR information.

You should find the boot configuration in the file /etc/lilo.conf in your Linux partition. The file should also have the following lines:

other=/dev/sda1

label=win98

This is the line that provides boot information about any other OS in your system.

Always have a copy of the boot floppy for each OS installed on the system before performing any major system changes.

More information on Linux boot is available at

http://www.yolinux.com/TUTORIALS/

LinuxTutorialRecoveryAndBootDisk.html#LILO

Solution by G. Rajah

Please e-mail us at eworld@thehindu.co.in if you have queries on computer usage or if you find an interesting way of using a computer.

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