Loadlin
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The Linux boot loader loadlin starts Linux from DOS or Microsoft Windows (since loadlin version 1.6 / 2002). The program loadlin and the Linux kernel have to be in a directory on the user's hard disk (FAT16, FAT32, USB devices). After started, loadlin stops Windows, creates a RAM disk, loads the kernel and some modules into this RAM disk. Then the (basic) kernel boots up and uses to continue the partition where Linux is installed.
This method can be used if the user's booting configuration (Windows own or other bootloader) cannot be changed to start Linux or they don't want to change their booting sequence ("safe way to load Linux").
It does not alter the master boot record and boot loader on the hard disk of the installed operating system, and it has to be started in a running DOS or Windows environment.
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