Dual Boot (XP and Linux) Boot Issues.

Problem: 

In Dual Boot (XP and Linux) System, after installing Linux you can not boot into XP.

Or after fixing XP boot issue you can not boot into the Linux.

 

Solution: 

For XP boot issue. 

Most of the times fixing boot.ini file on C Drive can fix XP boot issue in dual Boot (XP and Linux) Systems.

Another option is to run boot CD like (Multi boot CD, UBCD, Hiren Boot CD etc.) and run MBR fix tools for windows.

One way to fix this is

1: boot into Ranish Partition Manager.

   Several ways to run this,

   a: Ranish Partition Manager boot CD

   b: Hiren Boot CD and then choose Ranish Partition Manager

   c: Hiren boot CD from Multi Boot CD and then Ranish Partition Manager

2: Press F2 to Edit MBR

3: From Unknown Boot type to Standard Boot type and Save.

   This will fix XP boot issue but Linux will be unbootable to fix Linux Boot issue look at bottom section.

   You may still need to assign right partition to boot in Boot.ini file.

4: Reboot

For Linux boot issue.

1: Boot computer with Linux installation CD.

2: At boot prompt type boot: linux rescue.

3: Reply to installer questions like the languages, type of keyboard etc.

   Installer will automatically detect linux installation on hard drive and will mount it as /mnt/sysimage and you will be dropped into the command shell prompt.

4: At shell prompt type # chroot /mnt/sysimage, this will make newly mounted directory the root (or parent) directory.

   Now you are in the shell with respect to the parent directory which is the linux partition on your harddisk.

   From here, the steps needed depeends on which bootloader you are using. You have to have a fair idea what is the device node of your harddisk partition housing your MBR. In most cases, it is /dev/hda if you have an IDE harddisk. But if you have a SCSI or SATA harddisk, it will be /dev/sda.

   For GRUB

5: Type # grub-install /dev/hda

   This will install(or restore) GRUB boot loader on to your MBR.   

6: Reboot

   For LILO (LInux LOader)

   boot loader used before GRUB, default bootloader prior to and in RedHat 7.0

5: Type # /sbin/lilo

   This will install the bootloader on to the MBR.

6: Reboot

For more details look at: http://linuxhelp.blogspot.com/2005/11/how-to-repair-corrupt-mbr-and-boot.html