choose between windows 7 and Linux without bios change

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  1. Posts : 8
    windows 7 64 bit enterprice
       #1

    choose between windows 7 and Linux without bios change


    Hi,

    I have been ask to build a computer for students that will heve 2 hdd with windows 7 and linux and the students will choose witch OS too boot from.
    The problem is that every time that i want ti change OS i have to go to bios setting and chenge the storgae type every time.

    Is there an ather way to make it easyer on the students??
    Is there a way to install a program that will make the change for me?

    Regards,

    Michel v
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,466
    Windows 10 Education 64 bit
       #2

    You can likely do it with GRUB, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_GRUB I just know of it, not how to use it though.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,030
    Linux Mint / XP / Win7 Home, Pro, Ultimate / Win8.1 / Win10
       #3

    Hello michelval -

    There are numerous approaches and utilities to do what you asked. I have been using multiple hard drives to boot Windows and Linux since 1999 and I currently use GRUB2 which is part of most Linux distributions. This has been my workflow:


    1. Plug in both hard drives.
    2. Use a Linux "live" DVD/CD (such as Puppy Linux) to format the Windows target hard drive as MBR (master boot record) NTFS.
    3. Delete all partitions on the second (Linux target) hard drive.
    4. Exit live Linux.
    5. Install Windows to the existing MBR-NTFS partition - do NOT have Windows reformat the drive.
    6. Install the Windows updates you find appropriate.


    After Windows is completely installed:

    1. Boot to the Linux disk and run the hard disk installer.
    2. Select the unformated disk as the target.
    3. Partition as you desire or let the Linux installer do it for you.
    4. If your installer asks about installing GRUB2 and searching for other operating systems, allow it. Many Linux installations will do this by default.
    5. Follow the installer prompts. When done, remove the Linux disk and reboot.


    The opening screen will show a menu (usually text based) to select what to boot - select Linux or Windows (arrow down to desired OS then ENTER).

    Regards,
    GEWB
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 20,583
    Win-7-Pro64bit 7-H-Prem-64bit
       #4

    Hi,
    As long as there is no system reserved partitions and only the C drive for windows Linux should be able to be installed either along side or as dual boot on another separate partition

    Then you'll get the linux boot grub on startup where you can set a default os or just keep the grub to choose an os to boot to.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #5

    Why are you going into the bios ?

    Just use the boot menu key to bring up the boot menu.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #6

    I'm a tree that just got lost in the forest.

    If I have a choice of more that one operating system to boot from I just use the F8 key to choose which operating system I want to boot.

    What I'm I missing?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 8
    windows 7 64 bit enterprice
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I forgot to mention that I can not erase the disk or install any thing on the Linux machine.
    I can install only on thw windows disk.

    I have tried the F8 key and it doesn't work. can any one recommend on a program that can install in windows machine?

    Michel
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #8

    If you install 7 with the other drive unplugged, then install Linux with the 7 drive unplugged, there should be no reason the boot menu won`t work to choose either OS.

    In your 1st post you mention 2 Hard drives, now you are changing the scenario ?

    Are you installing the 2 systems on 2 hard drives or not ?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 8
    windows 7 64 bit enterprice
    Thread Starter
       #9

    I am installing 2 different OS's win 7 and Linux on 2 different HDD. on an HPZ620 workstation.
    The problem is when i want to boot from the Linux HDD i need to change the storage type in my bios and when i need to use windows 7 i need to change it again.

    Michel V
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 20,583
    Win-7-Pro64bit 7-H-Prem-64bit
       #10

    Sounds to me your installing windows as os type or boot uefi only ?
      My Computer


 
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