How to install Linux

Installed Linux first but after loading Win2000 it has gone

[Alok]

Hi,

I faced one problem, I installed Linux first then i installed Microsoft Windows 2000 but Linux is not coming, so i again formated the drive where i have installed the Linux.

So can it be possible again to install Linux on my pc?

Please show me the path, I am very new to this field.

Thanks

[outrun]

Yes it can be, you should make a linux partition on your computer so you can have windows 2k on it as well, using a tool like "Partition Magic"

[Alok]

Yes i have tried but partition magic is not working at that time. Please tell me is there any way by which i can install linux again on my system and in the meanwhile i does not want to remove Windows 2000 also.

[linux_user]

Once you've installed linux, you have to install the linux boot loader, otherwise the Windows boot loader will boot by default every time, leaving you with this problem.

Also, it's easier to install windows first, allocating whatever hd space you need for windows, then installing linux onto the remaining space on the hard drive afterwards.

[AbsintheSyringe]

Which distro are you trying to install?

Most of new linux distros, install boot loaders (lilo, grub) Linux doesnt remove your win partitions nor it'll alter anything unless you command it to do so.

What I strongly suggest and what is the easiest way to install it without affecting win partition is:

Partition your drive, leave one partition free, do not create a filesys on it or anything. Just create blank/unlocated/unformatted partition.

During the linux install, you'll need to create a swap, boot partition beside your "regular" nix partition. But depending on the distro, this step can be automated, so the distro does it by itself.

Let me know what distro you're trying to install and I'll give you more info.

If you installed nix, simply install grub or lilo bootloader, after bios you should see the boot menu windows/linux.