Boot PC-BSD/FreeBSD from Windows bootloader

[antik]

Sometimes it is not possible to install FreeBSD bootloader into MBR due to some bios manufacturers ignorance to support other operating systems/boot loaders (I encountered this problem with my Clevo branded tablet notebook T210C).

Install PC-BSD into prepared primary partition as usual but don't install boot loader. Insert the PC-BSD/FreeBSD installation CD-ROM and copy the /boot/boot1 file to a new file called c:\freebsd. I then modify the c:\boot.ini file by running 'notepad c:\boot.ini'. You cannot find this file with 'Search' or via Explorer as it is hidden from normal view.

Then add the following at the very end of the boot.ini file:

c:\freebsd="PC-BSD Operating System"

After saving changes reboot Windows. The next time Windows appear you have the choice of booting Windows 2000/XP or PC-BSD/FreeBSD. Either OS can now be started from this menu.

[budious]

I have a Sager 5720 laptop based on Clevo m570a components. I get an error even attempting to load any FreeBSD or PCBSD installation cd, let alone getting to worry about the bootloader.

[ha1f]

I have a Sager 5720 laptop based on Clevo m570a components. I get an error even attempting to load any FreeBSD or PCBSD installation cd, let alone getting to worry about the bootloader.

whats the error?

[budious]

Using PCBSD 1.3.0.1 installation cd, the bootloader of the cd appears and the default action (1) occurs to begin loading the installation. During the kernel boot the following error occurs:

RAM parity error, likely hardware failure.
Fatal trap 19: non-maskable interrupt trap while in kernel mode
...
panic: non-maskable interrupt error
cpuid=0
uptime: 1s

The memory in the machine is fine, as tested extensively with ubuntu's x86 grub installed memory installed. I dual boot with XP/Ubuntu 6.10 currently and both operating systems run flawlessly on the desktop. I do have parts in the mail from newegg to upgrade this week and if could this straightened out would consider replacing ubuntu with pc-bsd on the laptop. Upgrading my 80GB hard drive to 160GB seagate momentus and from 1GB memory to 2GB so fresh installs are in order anyways.

Thats pretty F N cool. Thanks for the info. :wink:

[TerryP]

Its a nice bootloader but I just wish it wasn't tied to the windows install (e.g. boot.ini)

Normally I use GAG so I have a fast easy flexi'option that doesn't care what I do to my primary partitions lol.

Its a nice bootloader but I just wish it wasn't tied to the windows install (e.g. boot.ini)

Normally I use GAG so I have a fast easy flexi'option that doesn't care what I do to my primary partitions lol.

Not that I am a smart guy but someone else with the knowlege should be able to reproduce the same simple type of boot system. :wink:

[antik]

I have a Sager 5720 laptop based on Clevo m570a components. I get an error even attempting to load any FreeBSD or PCBSD installation cd, let alone getting to worry about the bootloader.

Oh, I forgot to mention that my notebook got no cdrom drive- only external usb one. USB boot is broken in FreeBSD for long time and I installed PC-BSD on other computer- removed hard drive from notebook and connected in with desktop computer through LGH-IDE adapter. GAG boot loader does not work on same notebook- I tried everything- not a single Linux livecd worked, heck I had problem starting even dos from external usb cdrom. :twisted:

[budious]

The cdrom on my laptop is SATA modular bay. Linux and Grub bootloader works fine on this model but the FreeBSD kernel doesn't appear to play friendly with the hardware.

[Edward78]

When I choose PC-BSD, I get a blank screen, it doesn't boot. It won't boot right from grub either..