Is it connected via serial port? If so, and if you're using lilo, be sure the header of your /etc/lilo.conf has lines like the following: prompt timeout=500 message=/boot/message serial=0,9600N8 The last of these lines is specific to the serial port you're connected on. It should match the actual port you're on, and the handshake parameters. The /boot/message file is also very important. By default, RH installs a file that displays a graphic on screen, but you can make that file fully text, and you'll want to do that. The above lines should bring up a "Boot>" prompt that gives you about 50 seconds to make an OS choice. PS: If you're connected over USB, you're probably out of luck.