choose between windows 7 and Linux without bios change

[michelvai]

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

 

[alphanumeric]

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.

 

[GEWB]

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

 

[ThrashZone]

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.

 

[AddRAM]

Why are you going into the bios ?

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

 

[Layback Bear]

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?

 

[michelvai]

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

 

[AddRAM]

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 ?

 

[michelvai]

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

 

[ThrashZone]

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

 

[AddRAM]

And are you installing each OS with the other drive unplugged and making no changes to the bios during the whole procedure ?

 

[michelvai]

I have installed windows as an OS and the Linux too.

 

[ThrashZone]

Sorry that doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me :/

Removing the hdd with the first install and then installing the second os on the other hdd will insure both installs have their own boot loader.

 

[AddRAM]

I have installed windows as an OS and the Linux too.

That does not answer my question in reply #11

 

[whs]

He must have unplugged the drive with the first OS when installing the second OS. Else he would have a double boot now. But it is pretty neat as is. Switching the OS with the BIOS is not your worst choice. 2 independent OS installations have their advantages - e.g. when you want to uninstall or change one of them.

 

[AddRAM]

That`s true, but why does he have to go into the bios ?

He should be able to do it with the boot menu, but he can`t :huh:

 

[whs]

With the boot menue is another way. For that you need both systems in the bootmgr. But if you installed the 2 systems independently, then you need to go via the BIOS.

 

[thelma]

If F8 does not work

Force Windows 7, 8, or 10 to Boot Into Safe Mode Without Using the F8 Key

if you can get there

 

[GEWB]

That`s true, but why does he have to go into the bios ?

He should be able to do it with the boot menu, but he can`t :huh:

Um, I understand what he is doing. He goes into the BIOS to change the HD boot order because there is no boot loader that includes all of the OSes on the multiple drives. I've used that method for many years on numerous systems.

I have also installed a "master" loader (GRUB2) on one of my systems so I don't need to change the drive order but that can present a different set of issues when adding, deleting or moving partitions and OSes.

Regards,
GEWB

 

[ThrashZone]

If F8 is not the magic key for boot options then possibly F12 is :/
One of my systems is even F10
One is F12
One is F8
Very annoying to keep track of