jdd composed on 2016-02-08 18:55 (UTC+0100):
Thomas Taylor composed:
I have run into a problem upgrading a multi-boot system. I currently have OS 13.1, Fedora 18, and windows 7 on my system. I'm using legacy grub as boot manager. It is installed in a partition on an SSD along with the windows 7 system.
but I guess an uefi firmware? I have no such problem with usual BIOS
When I attempt to install OS 42.1 (leap) onto this system I receive messages that the /boot/efi needs to be formatted FAT.
If you install 42.1 on a separate partition, and put its bootloader on its / partition, or install no bootloader at all, you can use 13.1's bootloader to start 42.1. Afterwards you can rearrange booting if you please from one of the running installations. Sounds to me like maybe you're being mislead by the start of the partitioning process, where create setup lies between edit proposal and "expert partitioner". Edit proposal is not appropriate for any multiboot user. Expert on this screen is a lie. The true expert mode can only be reached by choosing create partition setup, the only practical choice for multibooters. In true expert mode you should be able to tell it what you want, not have it tell you what you can have.
ignore this, and as soon as possible switch to grub2 (may be in install summary)
I have many 42.1 installations, all in multiboot, none using Grub2 for openSUSE or as primary bootloader (most have no trace of Grub2 anywhere), and two alongside Win7. If he likes Grub and it's working fine for 13.1 alongside Win7, he doesn't need Grub2 for 42.1 to work as well as 13.1.
After adding another partition (FAT) with mount point of /boot/efi I then get a message that it requires GPT partition table but windows 7 won't boot with that.
Maybe if you post output from gdisk or fdisk we could see a reason it does that. GPT is only "required" if the disk size is >2GB. Win7 will boot from GPT, but not if you make a change to GPT from BIOS outside of Windows. If you're booting BIOS now, you need to keep it.
Is there a way to install 42.1 in a FAT type table? I read the "Unofficial Guide to openSUSE Leap 42.1" but didn't see anything pertinent there. Where could I look for more information?
42.1 has no need for anything FAT on a BIOS installation. It might be best, if you can install 42.1 to a separate partition, to partition as you please with 13.1, and then in 42.1 merely specify mount points using the expert mode hiding in create . Note that 42.1 includes Grub, but it cannot be completely "installed" at installation time. Bootloader options omit it, but on a multiboot system it's simple to complete its installation, after which it will function as it has for the entire existence of openSUSE. Be sure if making this choice to change /etc/sysconfig/bootloader LOADER_TYPE from none to grub if you want menu.lst kept up to date automatically. -- "The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive." Proverbs 16:21 (New Living Translation) Team OS/2 ** Reg. Linux User #211409 ** a11y rocks! Felix Miata *** http://fm.no-ip.com/ -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, e-mail: opensuse+owner@opensuse.org