Ubuntu 10.0.4 Live cd doesn't start and installation does not start

[bram100]

I installed Ubuntu beside a windows xp system. But now it won't reboot anymore and gets stuck in a command line.

Tried the live cd or usb again but it won't start either and it hangs in the splash screen with the dots.

After hitting esc (in splash) I get a command line with error message unable to open 'dev/sda'.

Xp still starts fortunately, so I am able to open the disks..

How do I fix this, please help ?

[thegod_slayer]

please post your rig configuration.

or try formating the pc full.
and then installing xp and ubuntu.

[bram100]

I have Ubuntu installed on a Dell430. Not inside XP but on a separate partition. At first it booted fine. But after some updates and starting the XP partition Ubuntu won't start anymore.

Any Ideas.

[thegod_slayer]

the update may have erased some config files from your ubuntu part.

it happened with me on my rig ( win 7 and ubuntu 10.04 ).

what i did was very simple.

deleted the ubuntu partition and reinstalled it.

works fine.

[Lemuel111]

Yes I'm having the same problem. 10.04 worked fine then put on some updates and now it won't get past the 'Ubuntu ....' screen. Suggestions most welcome.

[TwelveGauge]

which updates?

[bram100]

Just delete the partition ? Which tools can I use for that ?

Can I still boot XP, is the bootloader erased as well ?

[MisterLambda]

Get a GParted Live CD. Potentially dangerous, but should do the trick.

Also, the MBR containing the bootload is on a seperate partition. Note that the GRUB bootloader will still be there, unchanged. (hopefully)

[bram100]

- I only see some unknown Logical drives.
- There is two:
1. 633MB
2. 13GB

Which one should I delete and can I still boot then ?

[MisterLambda]

Do you remember what size Ubuntu's partition was? Also remember that Windows uses ntfs and fat, and Linux usually uses ext.

[bram100]

Ok I found out that
- 13 GB is the ext partition
- 633 MB is the swap partition

Now which one should I remove without removing the bootloader ?

[bram100]

- I figured it out
1. First I removed GRUP bootloader, by using the installation disk for XP (recovery console)
here is how:
http://www.wikihow.com/Uninstall-the-Grub-Bootloader-from-a-Dual-Boot-XP-System-With-an-XP-CD

2. Next I removed the partition
3. I reinstalled Ubuntu on the empty space.

Back in business (typing this in Ubuntu)!

[Lemuel111]

I've tried the Ubuntu Live CD but it just goes to the same screen (Ubuntu.....) and progresses no further. Any suggestions?

[Lemuel111]

I've managed to get a a black screen saying:-
"BusyBox v1.13.3 (Ubunutu 1:1.13.3-1ubutu11) built-in shell (ash)
Enter 'help' for a list of built in commands.

(initramfs) Can not mount /dev/loop0 (/cdrom/casper/filesystem.squashfs) on / /filesystem.squashfs"

I then typed "help" and a list of built in commands are listed followed by

"(initramfs) _"

Can I do anything with this lot?

Cheers

[Lemuel111]

I can't even get the above now. I can load the Ununtu 9.10 live cd with the options but when I try boot from hard disk I get the same screen that won't progress (Ubuntu .....).