boot

[aintnothang]

I am running dual boot with ubuntu and vista. When my computer boots it gives me seven seconds(I think) to pick ubuntu or vista. How do I make vista number one on that list?

[Eclecticos]

You have to edit the boot.ini file.

The boot.ini file is a hidden read only file. If you change the file attributes, you can edit the file and alter the way that your computer boots. Of course, this should only be performed by experienced users since a simple error can leave your system unbootable.

A safer way of editing the boot.ini file is to use the System Configuration Utility included with Vista. First of all it eliminates the chances of making typographical errors that could otherwise occur. It also allows you to configure several advanced boot options. You can open the utility using the steps below:

1. Press the Windows + R keystrokes to open the Run command.
2. Type ‘msconfig’ and click OK.
3. Click the Boot tab the select windows vista then click set as default.

[nevermind1534]

But does that do anything to change the GRUB bootloader?

[Eclecticos]

When a computer is turned on, the computer's BIOS finds the primary bootable device usually the computer's hard disk and loads the initial bootstrap program "GRUB" from the master boot record or MBR.

You will have to edit it manually. Here is a guide.

[.Maleficus.]

Go the the terminal and type "sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst". After that, find the property "timeout" and change it to like, 60 (seconds). Save and close.

[aintnothang]

awesome, thanks.

[SXRguyinMA]

how do you go about settin gup a dual-boot? I'd like to add windows 7 beta to my system as an option. Could you do a triple boot setup? like XP, vista and W7? thanks

[nevermind1534]

As long as you install vista or 7 last, and have them all on separate partitions, everything works out fine. You get a dual boot menu automatically after installing a second OS.

[SXRguyinMA]

so I've got xp installed now. if I create 2 more partitions, install vista on one then w7 on the other I should be fine?

[nevermind1534]

Yes, it will work fine; you'll get a oot menu wit a 30 second timeout by default. I usually set it to 5 seconds when I do that. You can set it up in the "computer" properties.