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trinkett42
09-28-2005, 01:35 PM
Hello everyone, I hope some of you can help me here. First off let me state that I am a complete and total Linux NOOB. I've been pushed towards Linux (SUSE 9.2) at work to accomplish a task that I cannot seem to do with Windows.

The Task
Create 150+ bootable entries, each entry must be stand-alone and not intefere with the others. The only difference is that each entry has a specific set of software drivers that it will install and boot for a particular Motherboard. If possible, this system should work through Windows for ease on technicians.

So there it is, what I have to do at work. Other forums have suggested multiple kernels, 150+ partitions, a few partitions just mounted at different places, and modules. Thats super and great, but all they did was suggest these things and then say good luck. Again, I'm a NOOB extreme and need a bit more guidance...examples, links, first person experiences. I need someone who really has some good ideas, thoughts, questions, concerns, or advice to make some thought out posts to help me along.

My current Plan of attack is this. 1) SUSE 9.2 install. 2)WinXP install 3)Hide XP install so NTLDR won't take over and create submenu off of first install 4) Repeat with 150+ partitioned WinXP installs and hope GRUB can handle it.

All inqueries, thoughts, bashings, insane ramblings, help and advice are welcome.

retsaw
09-28-2005, 02:04 PM
So you need 150 installations of Windows with different drivers?

What do you need SuSE for?
It is not clear that you have any need for linux specifically just a more powerful bootloader than NTLDR, in which case you can use GRUB from Windows specifically WinGRUB. I'm not sure whether GRUB can handle 150 entries, but if it doesn't you can still chainload more instances of GRUB from the first and use that to create multiple menu levels. In this case the first instance of GRUB can be installed to the MBR however further instances will need to be installed to their own partitions AFAIK, so you would have to allow some space for these if necessary (they need only be a few MB each in size for this.)

trinkett42
09-28-2005, 02:13 PM
WinGrub? Are you serious? I'm off to google that right now. Thanks.