[scuba14c]

I want to dual boot Windows and linux in a laptop. Windows is already installed on a partition. I have a swap partition and a linux partition. How do I install linux so that it will give me an OS option when it is turned on? Or is it automatic and linux just needs to be installed?

[jakec]

Scuba,

when you install Linux it should give you the option of installing a Bootloader such as Grub or Lilo, be sure to install it to the MBR (master boot Record). which Linux distro are you using,, this will give me a better Idea of which boot loader you are using so I can be of more help

this will give you some idea of what to expect when installing a boot loader even though it's red hat it should give you a starting point

http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/l...rade-lilo.html

http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/l...ootloader.html

Or Alternitivly you can use a Graphical boot management system such as GAG the link bellow tells you all you need to know

http://www.hezardastan.org/breezy_xp...gagbootmanager

http://gag.sourceforge.net/

Sorry I can't be of more help to you,

Jake

[scuba14c]

It will most likely be Kubuntu. If I install to the MBR, will this cause any problems with Windows?

[EricB]

yup. you won't be able to boot back to it

[scuba14c]

How do I install it so I have the option of OS's before one boots?

[snoopyAU]

if you r installing the linux when previously you've got window ,
when you go in to the step of selecting whether or not you want to install the linux boot loader (GRUB i think)into the master boot record, choose yes or somting like that, and done u have dual boot system. and when the system reboot , up to the step it counts down, you need to press "Enter" in order to choose wat OS is gonna be booted,

If u want to go back with window boot loader , i think u need to have the window CD -> repair then type fixmbr , it will do it for you

good luck