Installing Bootloader

[atc_traffic856]

I have downloaded the Grub bootloader it is approx 3,500 KB I want too install this into my win2000pro MBR I am not really sure that I am doing this correctly// Do you have to install it in the boot.ini file of the ntfs file structure/ How do I install this bootloader in my MBR
Maybe then I will beable to install my Linux with my win2000pro/
Thank you

[pave_spectre]

What distribution of linux are you wanting to install.
Mandrake and Red Hat allow you to install the bootloader (either GRUB or LILO) during the installation of the operation system so you shouldnt need to install it seperately.

I know Red Hat allows the choice of installing the bootloader to the MBR or the First sector of the Linux boot partition. The second choice requires the use of either a third-party bootloader or modification to the windows bootloader.

[atc_traffic856]

No apparently from what I read the MBR for win2000pro ntfs will not load RH9.0 or any Linux they suggest that you must install the bootloader into your MBR and then it will install from the boot disk/ whereas when you do install there are a few config you must par take whilst you are installing/ but first your MBR has to recognize the Linux OS from its bootloader.

[pave_spectre]

When you install RH9 it will ask you if you want to install the bootloader into the MBR or the first sector of the linux boot partition.
Red hat should automatically detect that there are windows partitions(or dos) and add them as a boot option so everything is done for you. If you install into the MBR that is all you have to do its fairly easy.

If you choose to install GRUB to the first sector of the Linux boot partition you will need to modify the windows bootloader to add the linux boot partition as a bootable option.

The windows bootloader wont load the linux boot partition, but it will load GRUB which can then load linux.

[atc_traffic856]

Yes i realize as what you say is true, win2000pro ntfs will not boot the linux OS. from the cdrom disk > this iswhy i must install the loader into the MBR. What really happens is that all settings are set to from cdrom> after yopu try to boot the boot disk it does not =recognize it as a bbot disk. This has been with all linux os.
Oh I have tried all the scenarios/ then I was informed via Just Linux Forums/ that the only way i may do so is put the grub or lilo into the mbr or wipe out my ntfs go fat32 inwhich is compatible with linux/ after I do this then I can convert my win2000 back too ntfs..

[pave_spectre]

Dont know if this will work!!

Boot up with a win98 boot floppy with CD-ROM support.
Insert the first Red Hat CD. Switch to the cd drive at the prompt. There should be a directory called dosutils. type cd dosutils.
then type autoboot.bat.

I believe that this should start the linux installation process. I havent tested it som Im not sure.

[atc_traffic856]

I will try but I do not think it will work for ntfs there is no dos/ program but maybe for I have used the 98s bootdisk floppy and I believe there is a possibility for it will support a boot dos program>>

[atc_traffic856]

Yes it works excellent i have tried so many areas of different config.
But thanks again. Now before I do load I will have too read the site on Dual Boot Win2000pro Linux for there is some criteria that you must do while you are going through the process of installing >> that at the end of the installment you will be capable of dual booting -this is where the MBR is loaded with the bootloader grub or lilo [grub being the preference due too its flexibility>> Thank you again pave_spectre>>