A question re setting up a dual boot system with Mint

Hi all,

As a total newbie to Linux, if I install Mint straight from the CD on an existing Vista machine and click on the 'let Linux make a new partition & install next to Vista' option, what will happen to my existing bootloader/bootstrap??, will it be replaced by GRUB?,

I ask this because I do want a dual boot system but would also like to keep the existing default windows bootloader in place (I think), in fact I want to keep Vista as the default OS categorically (at least until I get to know Mint well enough).

I guess what I really want to know before taking the plunge, is how to install Mint on it's own partition but WITHOUT messing up my Vista system in anyway whatsoever.

Any replies, greatly appreciated.

 

I have Mint7 dual-booting with WinXP and I did it for the same reasons you cite...I wanted to be SURE before I made changes that couldn't be undone.

To answer your questions...yes, GRUB will become the default bootloader, as GRUB will recognize other OS, but the Windows bootloader will not. Also, when dual-booting with Windows, Windows MUST be previously installed, then Linux; it will NOT work the other way around, as Windows will not install on a hard drive where it sees another OS. Lastly, keeping Vista as the default OS is NOT possible in a dual-boot arrangement; GRUB will make Linux the default OS, as the first option in the list, but Vista will be EASILY accessible simply by arrowing down to Vista selection and hitting enter.

You're smart to be thinking ahead like that, but I'd suggest backing up/making an image of your currently existing hard drive in its current configuration (I prefer DiscWizard, a freeware program from Seagate), then going ahead with the Mint Installation, which practically installs by itself. Just choose the default settings that Mint suggests along the way. I think you will be quite pleased with Mint. It is one of the best linux distros and I don't even boot into Windows anymore! I could if I wanted to...it's just that I prefer Mint over Windows now!!! Install it, play with it, and I'm willing to bet you will feel the same too!

Good luck!

 

I triple boot with windows 2K, XP and PCLinux and windows 2K is my default OS. I don't run Vista but I think it is still possible to fix so windows becomes the default OS.

After the distro is installed open up the /boot/grub/menu.lst with your text editor of choice. Change the default from 0 which is the linux distro to another. In my case to 3 which was my windows install.

I also had dual booting on an older computer with 2K and VectorLinux and 2K booted by default. Though maybe the bootloader in there was LILO. The computer has been e-cycled so I can't have a look and see what was done. Sorry.

 

Good information to know. I have no experience with triple boots and I certainly did not know you could change the default system...I appreciate the info.

My other statement(s) still apply though...when dual-booting with Linux & Windows, Windows must go on the machine first. Linux will install GRUB, which will become the default bootloader, Linux by default, and no other changes will result on the Vista system.

Based on your information, sounds like the GRUB default can be changed to the OS of choice. I believe that is EXACTLY what the original poster wants to do. There ya go...install Linux and change the default OS in the bootloader!

 

What truly great and thoroughly helpful replies guys, I am very grateful for your help and explanations, it's people like yourselves that make a site like this one really great

Thanks.

 

I know for a fact with some linux installs you can force GRUB to install on the partition of the OS rather than the boot sector, then you can install a program such as EasyBCD to edit the vista bootloader to add in to the boot list a link to GRUB.