Re: XP, 8.1 and UEFI with grub2?

[SevenBits]

On Monday, April 7, 2014,  <address@hidden> wrote:
> Grub Gurus
>
> Perhaps this is good timing for this
> question.  I hope I am asking it in the right place.  I have been
> using Ubuntu and XP multiboot for quite some time and using Ubuntu
> more and XP less.  With support for XP expiring April 8 I would like
> to stop using it while connected to the internet.  My goal is to
> multiboot XP, Ubuntu and 8.1 on the same 64 bit new machine.
>
>
>
> My question is if XP requires legacy
> BIOS and it is available (?) but 8.1 requires UEFI (?) does this
> prevent grub2 from accessing the three OSs from a single menu.  Can
> Grub2 switch between legacy BIOS and UEFI or does this require a
> process like changing BIOS settings?
>

This is determined by your firmware, and not by GRUB. In general, no, this isn't possible. On some firmware, you can switch between BIOS and UEFI, but this is done by a setting in the options menu and requires a reboot typically.

Also, UEFI is required on all *new* PCs running Win 8. It is not a general requirement.

 

> The (?)s above mean I do not
> know if those assumptions are correct.  I suspect Ubuntu is
> compatible with both and the only problem is between XP and 8.1.
>

Most hardware that can run XP probably can't run Windows 8.1 AFAIK.

 

> I
> have collected multiboot info from MS on XP and 7 but if I need to
> purchase new hardware why install a new OS that is already obsolete.
>
> Any pointers to how the UEFI/legacy
> works,  hardware compatibility requirements for this to be possible,
> or related issues would be much appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance,  I always enjoy
> reading the messages in this list.
>
> Randy
>
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