Multiple boot system build with partimage

[Tehrani_1]

Hello all,

i want to create a multiple boot server (using grub) as a cold standby solution for the following Operating systems and Hardware.

I want to rebuild the machine on the destination system with partimage because i haven't all the software installed on the servers. I know NTFS is not fully supported but according the partimage homepage it should work.

The source systems are:

1 Linux Server with RH 7.2 on Compaq DL360 R1 with Compaq Integrated Smart Array Controller and additionally a Compaq Smart Array 5300 Controller

3 Linux Server with RH 7.2 on Compaq DL 380 G2 with Compaq Smart Array 5312 Controller.

4 Linux Server with NT 4.0 on Compaq DL360 R1
with Compaq Integrated Smart Array Controller.

I thought about buying a DL360 G1 as multiple boot machine with Compaq Integrated Smart Array Controller and additionally a Compaq Smart Array 5300 Controller from the used market.



For all Linux installations I put on the multiple boot system I want to use the kernel of the source Linux installation on DL360 with ida and cciss driver integrated. I hope this cciss-driver will also work for the Linux installations coming from the DL380.
Windows should work because images come from nearly the same hardware.

How can give me any advice ? Do you see a better solution ? which problems can occur ?


Thanks in advance


Uli

[Steven E. Protter]

A simple rule insures window will always work.

Install windows first into a partition or its own disk drive.

Install Linux or create and install your custom image.

use grub to manage boot.

Done.

The laptop I am on right now is set up that way.

SEP{

[Tehrani_1]

Hello Steven,

my concerns are especially about the best hardware to use because i want to use images (from partimage). Also i have to put 4 windows installations and 4 Linux installation on this server so the grub configuration maybe get complicated.


Rgds

Uli

[Stuart Browne]

Given the complexities, I'd start looking at VMWare. If you actually want to run any of these concurrently, then one of the VMWare server options (GSX or ESX or something), otherwise install a base OS of your choice, and create VMWare images of your 8 children.

Some discussion for you. If you have 4 windows and 4 linux installations required, here's some limits:

Windows will take 4 partitions (one per install).

Linux will take 2-3 per installation.

You simply won't have enough partitions.