0

I have a pre-existing option to boot from (Windows 7), and a also made a Linux option which was made from Easy BCD.

I'm able to load Linux when I click on Windows 7 (When my external HDD with it is plugged in).

I'm able to load Windows 7 when I click on Windows 7 (When my external HDD with Linux is not plugged in).

Basically, I need a solution so I can get the "Linux" option in the boot manager to work. I get the error: "Windows failed to start,etc.."

Windows 7 is on my internal HDD (my default OS),and Linux is on an external Hard Drive.

7
  • Your Windows Boot record is corrupt. You will need to repair your windows installation.
    – Ramhound
    May 17, 2013 at 22:59
  • It boots just fine, that's just when I try to boot Linux. May 17, 2013 at 23:41
  • 1
    If your BIOS doesn't give you the option to do so, then it can't be done directly. May 18, 2013 at 0:13
  • @IgnacioVazquez-Abrams so how would I go about doing it? I used Easy BCD do make an option in the boot manager, but it doesn't work. Only works when HDD is plugged into USB2 and I click on "Windows 7" in boot manager. May 18, 2013 at 0:15
  • 1
    When updating your progress in solving your question, please use the edit button instead of posting a whole new question. You can also use comments to reply to other answers and let them know if the things you're trying have worked.
    – nhinkle
    May 20, 2013 at 4:59

2 Answers 2

0

Booting off a USB 3.0 port needs BIOS capabilities.
I recall having trouble doing this over an year ago because of this reason.
Here is one AnandTech thread that I located on a cursory search: Can you boot from USB 3.0?

0

I'll not original, just install grub2 from linux and you be able to boot any OS correctly.

3
  • Even though my Linux is on an External HDD? How do I install Grub 2? May 19, 2013 at 19:02
  • Won't that screw up my Windows Boot Manager as well? I'm just afraid something will go wrong. May 19, 2013 at 19:04
  • Yes, if you're using mbr with bios (not gpt with uefi) grub will remove windows bootloader (that's normally). But you still can boot windows or any other OS, including external drives. To install grub you need do: grub install /dev/XXX in Linux (from superuser) and specify your main hdd. Read more in man grub-install. May 19, 2013 at 21:38

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .