Define LILO Configuration File..??

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LILO Configuration file

Given below is a sample /etc/lilo.conf file. You should follow the naming conventions like Linux (for kernel 2.6.23-13). You can have many kernel images on the same /boot system. Get the latest Linux kernel versions before you try out the configuration file.

For other parameters, refer to the manual pages (man lilo.conf).

boot=/dev/hda

map=/boot/map

install=/boot/boot.b

prompt

timeout=50

compact

default=Linux

image=/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.23-13

label=Linux

read-only

root=/dev/hdb3

password=Linux

image=/boot/vmlinuz-2.4.18-14

label=ker2418

read-only

root=/dev/hdb3

other = /dev/hda

label = WindowsXP

The boot = option tells LILO to install the boot loader to the MBR of the first hard disk. The map = and install = options point to the files that LILO uses internally during bootup. Do not change these files.

When booting, the boot loader will wait five seconds for you press Shift. If you don't, then Linux, the first kernel, will be booted. If you do, the boot loader will ask you which image to boot. If you forgot the possible choices, press TAB and you will be presented with a menu. You now have the choice of booting Linux, ker2418, or WindowsXP. After you make your selection, you will find the compact option speeds up the booting process. Loading Linux prompts you to enter a password for the image. You can add the fallback= option to any image. This option specifies that is stored as the default command line if the current image is booted. If using the fallback option, the next reboot will load a different kernel.

Since lilo.conf is not read at boot time, the MBR needs to be "refreshed" when it is changed. Like getting LILO into the MBR, you need to run:

$ /sbin/lilo –v -v

1. Troubleshooting

When you install Microsoft Windows on a computer that has the Linux operating system installed, Windows may overwrite or deactivate the Linux boot manager. As a result, you can no longer access the Linux operating system.

Here's how to fix the problem. If LILO was installed to the MBR, restart the computer using a bootable Linux floppy disk and then run LILOCONF program from the floppy drive. If LILO was installed to the superblock, use the FDISK command to activate the Linux partition.

Another possible solution is to delete the Linux partitions on a Windows-based computer, restart the computer, and then use Partition Magic to create Linux partitions. This utility comes with BootMagic, which allows you to switch operating systems.

To allow Linux system fixes, you can enter rescue at the boot prompt to boot Linux into single-user mode. Similar to rescue, you can also enter single to try to boot from your hard drive. You can also use root=to allow you to boot from a CD-ROM.

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