How to add a third OS?

[oxf]

OK I ask this question because a while back I tried to add a third boot option and it took over the mbr/grub or something.

Right now I have my PC set up to dual boot, Ubuntu/Win XP. It boots into Ubuntu by default...

I have some unpartitioned space left on my hard drive and would at least like to try another distro out of curiosity. How do I do that so that it doesnt mess things up?
I want it to just become one more option in the GRUB screen on boot up. I.E it goes straight into Ubuntu like it does now if I dont scroll down in two second to select something else.

Thanks

[yancek]

First, you can change the time you have to select an OS to boot by modifying the 'timeout' entry in /boot/grub/menu.lst file as root (sudo).

You should have GParted with Ubuntu and use that to create a partition on any unallocated space. Don't know exactly how you would find it as I don't use Ubuntu. Look under Applications?

You could run the 'sudo fdisk -l' command to see your current information on partitions so you don't accidentally overwrite a current partition. (that's a Lower case Letter L in fdisk command)

Most distributions give you an option of where to install Grub, the master boot recored or a paratition. During installation of the bootloader, you may have to click on an Advanced tab to get the option. Don't do a default install as that will overwrite your current Grub and probably some partition(s). You need to select Manual or Expert install.

If you install Grub to the root partition of the new distribution's partition, you will just need to put an entry for it in the Ubuntu menu.lst file. If you have problems with that, post again.

[jayd512]

Hello and Welcome!

As far as manipulating partitions, you could also burn a copy of GParted. Probably one of the best partitioning tools out there, and very easy to use.

[oxf]

I did install Startup manager and are familier with that

I have also used Gparted from the Ubuntu live CD before. Problem is I'm not at home right now so I dont have it but I supose I could burn one as you say.

What I do have, and may be I'm foolish doing this right now not being home, is a Fedora install CD that came with a magazine. I'm not sure if it has a partition tool included with it? I'll have too look and see if I can figure that out. It does not seem to be a live CD though.

I know from my brief experiment before when I tried something else it took over the MBR. But I may well have not used it right. I guess that happen again I can get advice here to resolve the problem!

[oxf]

If you install Grub to the root partition of the new distribution's partition, you will just need to put an entry for it in the Ubuntu menu.lst file. If you have problems with that, post again.

When I install the 2nd linux distro do I create a 2nd swap partition for it? or does it use my existing swap?

Thanks

[yancek]

When I install the 2nd linux distro do I create a 2nd swap partition for it? or does it use my existing swap?

No need to create another swap, any number of distributions can use the same swap partition.

[b2bwild]

If i have to tri-boot something. I prefer not to install grub for that 3rd installation.
a better way is when installer asks dont install grub. and add entry for new installtion in existing grub.
It helps from complicated configurations

[devils casper]

Best way is, install GRUB in boot sector of / partition of new distro. Most of Linux installers give an option for boot loader location. Just type actual device name assigned to / partition in GRUB Location text box ( e.g. /dev/sda5 ). Add chainload code in menu.lst file of main distro.

title <new distro>
rootnoverify (hdx,y)
chainload +1

Replace x and y with disk and partition number.

In this method, you won't have to edit menu.lst file of main distro on every kernel update of other distro.

[jayd512]

If i have to tri-boot something. I prefer not to install grub for that 3rd installation.

Same here... I just use Fedora's GRUB. Since I always have a Fedora install on my box, this is quite convenient

[devils casper]

Same here... I just use Fedora's GRUB. Since I always have a Fedora install on my box, this is quite convenient

If you don't install GRUB at all then you have to redo menu.lst file of main distro on kernel upgrade of other distro. Moreover, if any thing goes wrong with main distro, you have to manually create menu.lst ( or grub.conf ) file of other distro.

Its recommended to install GRUB in boot sector if you want to use GRUB of other distro.