How to boot Android x86 from HDD (MBR not UEFI)?

[Scoo Ter]

I've successfully installed "android-x86-7.1-rc2.iso" on an ext4 partition, besides Windows.
Grub was installed into the same partition (/dev/sda2) by the Android Installer
Android boots fine first time after install, when choosing "run Android" from Installer menu.
But after a reboot, the machine boots straight into Windows.
I've tried to add a boot menu entry for Android via "EasyBcd", which didn't work (only a Grub command prompt)

I know it an easy task with UEFI, but how can I boot from this old MBR machine, without replacing the Windows bootloader completely?
thanks in advance.

[Hank JD Belland]

I'm having the same issue while testing the various builds. Specifically "android-x86-4.4-r5".
Running live works like a champ...

Grub is not installing and I cannot fix it with:

"boot-repair-disk-64bit"
"rescatux-0.51b3"

These programs do not seem to locate the installation, even though the partions
are there in any boot option, including gpart and the above mentioned...

One drive, 3 partitions: ntfs boot, ntfs system, ext4 Android
Win 8.1pro, non uefi
Work in progress...

HJD

[Povilas Staniulis]

Don't know about your Linux skills, but I would just install grub to MBR
with a Linux Live CD (eg. Ubuntu) and put configuration in Android
partition.

Or make a separate small partition for grub config. For example:
https://sites.google.com/site/installationubuntu/tweaking-ubuntu/an-easy-way-for-a-dedicated-grub-2-partition

The disadvantage is that you will have to manually update grub config
when you update Android.

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[Scoo Ter]

After a little bit tinkering, I've found an easier way, which works without replacing the Windows Bootloader completely.
From "EasyBCD 2.3" --> "Add new entry" --> "Neogrub" --> install
This creates a "NST" folder in your boot partition with a file, called "menu.lst", inside.
Just paste your grub configuration into this "menu.lst" and add:
root (hd0,1)
(hd0,1)has to match your Android partition (in my case second partition on the first hdd)
Reboot and select "Neogrub Bootloader".

# NeoSmart NeoGrub Bootloader Configuration File
#
# This is the NeoGrub configuration file, and should be located at C:\NST\menu.lst
# Please see the EasyBCD Documentation for information on how to create/modify entries:
# http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/EBCD/

default=0
timeout=2

title Android-x86 14.1-rc1
    root (hd0,1)
    kernel /cm-x86-14.1-rc1/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.selinux=permissive vmalloc=192M buildvariant=userdebug SRC=/cm-x86-14.1-rc1
    initrd /cm-x86-14.1-rc1/initrd.img
   
title Android-x86 14.1-rc1 - EXTERNER MONITOR
    root (hd0,1)
    kernel /cm-x86-14.1-rc1/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.selinux=permissive vmalloc=192M buildvariant=userdebug SRC=/cm-x86-14.1-rc1 video=LVDS-1:d
    initrd /cm-x86-14.1-rc1/initrd.img

etc.....