Re: Choosing default OS in multi boot system

[Frank McCormick <debianlist@videotron.ca>]

On 30/10/13 10:16 AM, Brian wrote:
> On Wed 30 Oct 2013 at 08:55:49 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
>
> > The combination of running the Debian Installer with as many
> > defaults as possible and Grub2 being automatically installed each
> > time results in two annoying characteristics.
> >
> > ONE:
> > On boot, the the last system installed will be the default. That is
> > the least likely one to run correctly (IF AT ALL) due to bad choices
> > during install or subsequent tweaking. Resulting Grub rescue mode
> > ... ;/
> >
> > TWO:
> > When there are multiple Debian installs present, especially when
> > same kernel used, the Grub menu is not informative.
> >
> > QUESTION_ONE:
> > Can I force the boot to default to the oldest rather than newest
> > install. It will always be a functioning install and usually is
> > completely normal with ONLY defaults chosen.
>
> Do not install GRUB for the new install. Run update-grub from whatever
> you do boot into.


  I've been dealing with a similar problem . I have 2 partitions with
Linux on them --sda3 with Debian and sda4 with Fedora. When ever Debian
installs a new kernel the dpkg hooks update grub.cfg...however Grub was
installed from my Fedora system and its' grub.cfg needs to be updated.
So I have to boot into Fedora, update grub.cfg, then reboot into Debian.
Real PITA which I have yet to find a solution to.