HowTo: Revert from grub2 to Legacy Grub.

[ProNux]

At this point, I removed Windows.I manually created an MBR partition on the hard disk by physically connecting it to my desktop PC and put bak the hard disk on my notebook and installed Natty alone, no Windows.

After first reboot, I ended up infinite loop at POST, NO GRUB menu.

Booted on Natty Live USB.

I've mounted the linux partition and used "chroot"

I got an error, see the last line.

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo mount /dev/sda1 /mnt && sudo mount --bind /dev /mnt/dev && sudo mount --bind /proc /mnt/proc && sudo mount --bind /sys /mnt/sys && sudo mount --bind /dev/pts /mnt/dev/pts && sudo cp /etc/resolv.conf /mnt/etc/resolv.conf && sudo chroot /mnt
mount: /dev/sda1 already mounted or /mnt busy
mount: according to mtab, /dev/sda1 is already mounted on /mnt
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ clear
















ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ ls /boot
abi-2.6.38-8-generic     memtest86+_multiboot.bin
config-2.6.38-8-generic  System.map-2.6.38-8-generic
grub                     vmcoreinfo-2.6.38-8-generic
memtest86+.bin
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ ls /boot/grub
gfxblacklist.txt  grubenv
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo mv /boot/grub /boot/grub_backup
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo mkdir /boot/grub
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ ls /boot
abi-2.6.38-8-generic     grub_backup               System.map-2.6.38-8-generic
config-2.6.38-8-generic  memtest86+.bin            vmcoreinfo-2.6.38-8-generic
grub                     memtest86+_multiboot.bin
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ ls /boot/grub
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get --purge remove startupmanager
E: Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock - open (11: Resource temporarily unavailable)
E: Unable to lock the administration directory (/var/lib/dpkg/), is another process using it?
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get --purge remove startupmanager
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree       
Reading state information... Done
E: Unable to locate package startupmanager
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get --purge remove grub-pc grub-common
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree       
Reading state information... Done
The following packages will be REMOVED:
  grub-common* grub-gfxpayload-lists* grub-pc*
0 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 3 to remove and 256 not upgraded.
After this operation, 7,803 kB disk space will be freed.
Do you want to continue [Y/n]? y
(Reading database ... 134325 files and directories currently installed.)
Removing grub-gfxpayload-lists ...
Removing grub-pc ...
Purging configuration files for grub-pc ...
Removing grub-common ...
Purging configuration files for grub-common ...
Processing triggers for man-db ...
Processing triggers for install-info ...
Processing triggers for ureadahead ...
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get install grub
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree       
Reading state information... Done
The following extra packages will be installed:
  grub-common
Suggested packages:
  grub-legacy-doc mdadm multiboot-doc grub-emu xorriso
The following NEW packages will be installed:
  grub grub-common
0 upgraded, 2 newly installed, 0 to remove and 256 not upgraded.
Need to get 2,850 kB of archives.
After this operation, 6,947 kB of additional disk space will be used.
Do you want to continue [Y/n]? y
Get:1 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ natty/main grub-common amd64 1.99~rc1-13ubuntu3 [2,043 kB]
Get:2 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ natty/main grub amd64 0.97-29ubuntu61 [807 kB]
Fetched 2,850 kB in 21s (134 kB/s)                                             
Preconfiguring packages ...
Selecting previously deselected package grub-common.
(Reading database ... 134009 files and directories currently installed.)
Unpacking grub-common (from .../grub-common_1.99~rc1-13ubuntu3_amd64.deb) ...
Selecting previously deselected package grub.
Unpacking grub (from .../grub_0.97-29ubuntu61_amd64.deb) ...
Processing triggers for ureadahead ...
Processing triggers for install-info ...
Processing triggers for man-db ...
Setting up grub-common (1.99~rc1-13ubuntu3) ...
Setting up grub (0.97-29ubuntu61) ...
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo update-grub
Searching for GRUB installation directory ... found: /boot/grub
Searching for default file ... Generating /boot/grub/default file and setting the default boot entry to 0
Searching for GRUB installation directory ... found: /boot/grub
Testing for an existing GRUB menu.lst file ... 

Could not find /boot/grub/menu.lst file. Would you like /boot/grub/menu.lst generated for you? (y/N) y
Searching for splash image ... none found, skipping ...
Found kernel: /boot/memtest86+.bin
Found kernel: /boot/memtest86+.bin
Updating /boot/grub/menu.lst ... done

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo fdisk -l

Disk /dev/sda: 320.1 GB, 320072933376 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 38913 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0xee367556

   Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/sda1   *           1        3917    31457280   83  Linux

Disk /dev/sdb: 4009 MB, 4009754624 bytes
124 heads, 62 sectors/track, 1018 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 7688 * 512 = 3936256 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0x00093ad3

   Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/sdb1   *           1        1018     3913161    b  W95 FAT32
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo grub-install /dev/sda
Probing devices to guess BIOS drives. This may take a long time.
Could not find device for /boot: Not found or not a block device.

Issuing the command, as below, showed that Live USB booted in UEFI mode.

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ dmesg | grep EFI
[    0.000000] EFI v2.00 by Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
[    0.000000] Kernel-defined memdesc doesn't match the one from EFI!
[    0.000000] EFI: mem00: type=3, attr=0xf, range=[0x0000000000000000-0x0000000000001000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem01: type=7, attr=0xf, range=[0x0000000000001000-0x0000000000054000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem02: type=4, attr=0xf, range=[0x0000000000054000-0x0000000000055000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem03: type=3, attr=0xf, range=[0x0000000000055000-0x000000000008f000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem04: type=10, attr=0xf, range=[0x000000000008f000-0x0000000000090000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem05: type=3, attr=0xf, range=[0x0000000000090000-0x00000000000a0000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem06: type=2, attr=0xf, range=[0x0000000000100000-0x000000000054d000) (4MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem07: type=7, attr=0xf, range=[0x000000000054d000-0x0000000036570000) (864MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem08: type=2, attr=0xf, range=[0x0000000036570000-0x00000000372b0000) (13MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem09: type=7, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000372b0000-0x000000007affa000) (1085MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem10: type=2, attr=0xf, range=[0x000000007affa000-0x00000000a4081000) (656MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem11: type=4, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a4081000-0x00000000a40a1000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem12: type=7, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a40a1000-0x00000000a40bd000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem13: type=1, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a40bd000-0x00000000a411d000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem14: type=7, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a411d000-0x00000000a417d000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem15: type=4, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a417d000-0x00000000a5848000) (22MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem16: type=7, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a5848000-0x00000000a587e000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem17: type=4, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a587e000-0x00000000a66d6000) (14MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem18: type=7, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a66d6000-0x00000000a68bf000) (1MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem19: type=2, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a68bf000-0x00000000a68c5000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem20: type=3, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a68c5000-0x00000000a6f0b000) (6MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem21: type=5, attr=0x800000000000000f, range=[0x00000000a6f0b000-0x00000000a6f90000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem22: type=5, attr=0x800000000000000f, range=[0x00000000a6f90000-0x00000000a700b000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem23: type=6, attr=0x800000000000000f, range=[0x00000000a700b000-0x00000000a704b000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem24: type=6, attr=0x800000000000000f, range=[0x00000000a704b000-0x00000000a704f000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem25: type=0, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a704f000-0x00000000a70ba000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem26: type=6, attr=0x800000000000000f, range=[0x00000000a70ba000-0x00000000a71c2000) (1MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem27: type=0, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a71c2000-0x00000000a71c6000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem28: type=6, attr=0x800000000000000f, range=[0x00000000a71c6000-0x00000000a71c8000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem29: type=0, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a71c8000-0x00000000a72c9000) (1MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem30: type=6, attr=0x800000000000000f, range=[0x00000000a72c9000-0x00000000a730b000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem31: type=0, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a730b000-0x00000000a731b000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem32: type=10, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a731b000-0x00000000a7354000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem33: type=10, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a7354000-0x00000000a739b000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem34: type=9, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a739b000-0x00000000a73e1000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem35: type=9, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a73e1000-0x00000000a73fb000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem36: type=4, attr=0xf, range=[0x00000000a73fb000-0x00000000a7e00000) (10MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem37: type=7, attr=0xf, range=[0x0000000100000000-0x000000023f000000) (5104MB)
[    0.000000] EFI: mem38: type=11, attr=0x8000000000000001, range=[0x00000000fed80000-0x00000000fed81000) (0MB)
[    0.000000] ACPI: UEFI 00000000a73e7000 0003E (v01 FUJ    PC       00000001 PTL  00000001)
[    0.000000] ACPI: UEFI 00000000a73e6000 00042 (v01 PTL      COMBUF 00000001 PTL  00000001)
[    0.000000] ACPI: UEFI 00000000a73e1000 0012A (v01 FUJ    PC       00000001 PTL  00000001)
[    5.633936] fb0: EFI VGA frame buffer device
[    6.382641] EFI Variables Facility v0.08 2004-May-17
[    7.739505] fb: conflicting fb hw usage radeondrmfb vs EFI VGA - removing generic driver
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$

As indicated on the previous post, my notebook is open for any test / configuration. My ultimate target is to enable Dual boot.

[kansasnoob]

Lots to study here and I'm just headed out the door. If I haven't gotten back to this within 24 hours give me a reminder shout

[ProNux]

I tried to "force" Live USB to boot in BIOS/MBR mode by deleting the "efi" folder in the Live USB.

Booted in Live USB, issuing the command, hence:

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ dmesg | grep EFI
[    0.000000] ACPI: UEFI 00000000a73e7000 0003E (v01 FUJ    PC       00000001 PTL  00000001)
[    0.000000] ACPI: UEFI 00000000a73e6000 00042 (v01 PTL      COMBUF 00000001 PTL  00000001)
[    0.000000] ACPI: UEFI 00000000a73e1000 0012A (v01 FUJ    PC       00000001 PTL  00000001)
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ ^C

I still get the same ERROR on the last command as my previous post.

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo mv /boot/grub /boot/grub_backup
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo mkdir /boot/grub
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ ls /boot
abi-2.6.38-8-generic     grub_backup               System.map-2.6.38-8-generic
config-2.6.38-8-generic  memtest86+.bin            vmcoreinfo-2.6.38-8-generic
grub                     memtest86+_multiboot.bin
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ ls /boot/grub
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get --purge remove startupmanager
E: Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock - open (11: Resource temporarily unavailable)
E: Unable to lock the administration directory (/var/lib/dpkg/), is another process using it?
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get --purge remove startupmanager
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree       
Reading state information... Done
E: Unable to locate package startupmanager
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get --purge remove grub-pc grub-common
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree       
Reading state information... Done
The following packages will be REMOVED:
  grub-common* grub-gfxpayload-lists* grub-pc*
0 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 3 to remove and 256 not upgraded.
After this operation, 7,803 kB disk space will be freed.
Do you want to continue [Y/n]? y
(Reading database ... 134325 files and directories currently installed.)
Removing grub-gfxpayload-lists ...
Removing grub-pc ...
Purging configuration files for grub-pc ...
Removing grub-common ...
Purging configuration files for grub-common ...
Processing triggers for man-db ...
Processing triggers for install-info ...
Processing triggers for ureadahead ...
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get install grub
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree       
Reading state information... Done
The following extra packages will be installed:
  grub-common
Suggested packages:
  grub-legacy-doc mdadm multiboot-doc grub-emu xorriso
The following NEW packages will be installed:
  grub grub-common
0 upgraded, 2 newly installed, 0 to remove and 256 not upgraded.
Need to get 2,850 kB of archives.
After this operation, 6,947 kB of additional disk space will be used.
Do you want to continue [Y/n]? y
Get:1 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ natty/main grub-common amd64 1.99~rc1-13ubuntu3 [2,043 kB]
Get:2 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ natty/main grub amd64 0.97-29ubuntu61 [807 kB]
Fetched 2,850 kB in 24s (118 kB/s)                                             
Preconfiguring packages ...
Selecting previously deselected package grub-common.
(Reading database ... 134009 files and directories currently installed.)
Unpacking grub-common (from .../grub-common_1.99~rc1-13ubuntu3_amd64.deb) ...
Selecting previously deselected package grub.
Unpacking grub (from .../grub_0.97-29ubuntu61_amd64.deb) ...
Processing triggers for ureadahead ...
Processing triggers for install-info ...
Processing triggers for man-db ...
Setting up grub-common (1.99~rc1-13ubuntu3) ...
Setting up grub (0.97-29ubuntu61) ...
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo update-grub
Searching for GRUB installation directory ... found: /boot/grub
Searching for default file ... Generating /boot/grub/default file and setting the default boot entry to 0
Searching for GRUB installation directory ... found: /boot/grub
Testing for an existing GRUB menu.lst file ... 

Could not find /boot/grub/menu.lst file. Would you like /boot/grub/menu.lst generated for you? (y/N) y
Searching for splash image ... none found, skipping ...
Found kernel: /boot/memtest86+.bin
Found kernel: /boot/memtest86+.bin
Updating /boot/grub/menu.lst ... done

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo fdisk -l

Disk /dev/sda: 320.1 GB, 320072933376 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 38913 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0xee367556

   Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/sda1   *           1        3917    31457280   83  Linux

Disk /dev/sdb: 4009 MB, 4009754624 bytes
124 heads, 62 sectors/track, 1018 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 7688 * 512 = 3936256 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0x00093ad3

   Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/sdb1   *           1        1018     3913161    b  W95 FAT32
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo grub-install /dev/sda
Probing devices to guess BIOS drives. This may take a long time.
Could not find device for /boot: Not found or not a block device.
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo grub-install /dev/sda
Probing devices to guess BIOS drives. This may take a long time.
Could not find device for /boot: Not found or not a block device.
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$

[kansasnoob]

I tried to "force" Live USB to boot in BIOS/MBR mode by deleting the "efi" folder in the Live USB.

Booted in Live USB, issuing the command, hence:

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ dmesg | grep EFI
[    0.000000] ACPI: UEFI 00000000a73e7000 0003E (v01 FUJ    PC       00000001 PTL  00000001)
[    0.000000] ACPI: UEFI 00000000a73e6000 00042 (v01 PTL      COMBUF 00000001 PTL  00000001)
[    0.000000] ACPI: UEFI 00000000a73e1000 0012A (v01 FUJ    PC       00000001 PTL  00000001)
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ ^C

I still get the same ERROR on the last command as my previous post.

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo mv /boot/grub /boot/grub_backup
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo mkdir /boot/grub
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ ls /boot
abi-2.6.38-8-generic     grub_backup               System.map-2.6.38-8-generic
config-2.6.38-8-generic  memtest86+.bin            vmcoreinfo-2.6.38-8-generic
grub                     memtest86+_multiboot.bin
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ ls /boot/grub
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get --purge remove startupmanager
E: Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock - open (11: Resource temporarily unavailable)
E: Unable to lock the administration directory (/var/lib/dpkg/), is another process using it?
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get --purge remove startupmanager
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree       
Reading state information... Done
E: Unable to locate package startupmanager
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get --purge remove grub-pc grub-common
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree       
Reading state information... Done
The following packages will be REMOVED:
  grub-common* grub-gfxpayload-lists* grub-pc*
0 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 3 to remove and 256 not upgraded.
After this operation, 7,803 kB disk space will be freed.
Do you want to continue [Y/n]? y
(Reading database ... 134325 files and directories currently installed.)
Removing grub-gfxpayload-lists ...
Removing grub-pc ...
Purging configuration files for grub-pc ...
Removing grub-common ...
Purging configuration files for grub-common ...
Processing triggers for man-db ...
Processing triggers for install-info ...
Processing triggers for ureadahead ...
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get install grub
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree       
Reading state information... Done
The following extra packages will be installed:
  grub-common
Suggested packages:
  grub-legacy-doc mdadm multiboot-doc grub-emu xorriso
The following NEW packages will be installed:
  grub grub-common
0 upgraded, 2 newly installed, 0 to remove and 256 not upgraded.
Need to get 2,850 kB of archives.
After this operation, 6,947 kB of additional disk space will be used.
Do you want to continue [Y/n]? y
Get:1 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ natty/main grub-common amd64 1.99~rc1-13ubuntu3 [2,043 kB]
Get:2 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ natty/main grub amd64 0.97-29ubuntu61 [807 kB]
Fetched 2,850 kB in 24s (118 kB/s)                                             
Preconfiguring packages ...
Selecting previously deselected package grub-common.
(Reading database ... 134009 files and directories currently installed.)
Unpacking grub-common (from .../grub-common_1.99~rc1-13ubuntu3_amd64.deb) ...
Selecting previously deselected package grub.
Unpacking grub (from .../grub_0.97-29ubuntu61_amd64.deb) ...
Processing triggers for ureadahead ...
Processing triggers for install-info ...
Processing triggers for man-db ...
Setting up grub-common (1.99~rc1-13ubuntu3) ...
Setting up grub (0.97-29ubuntu61) ...
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo update-grub
Searching for GRUB installation directory ... found: /boot/grub
Searching for default file ... Generating /boot/grub/default file and setting the default boot entry to 0
Searching for GRUB installation directory ... found: /boot/grub
Testing for an existing GRUB menu.lst file ... 

Could not find /boot/grub/menu.lst file. Would you like /boot/grub/menu.lst generated for you? (y/N) y
Searching for splash image ... none found, skipping ...
Found kernel: /boot/memtest86+.bin
Found kernel: /boot/memtest86+.bin
Updating /boot/grub/menu.lst ... done

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo fdisk -l

Disk /dev/sda: 320.1 GB, 320072933376 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 38913 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0xee367556

   Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/sda1   *           1        3917    31457280   83  Linux

Disk /dev/sdb: 4009 MB, 4009754624 bytes
124 heads, 62 sectors/track, 1018 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 7688 * 512 = 3936256 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0x00093ad3

   Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/sdb1   *           1        1018     3913161    b  W95 FAT32
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo grub-install /dev/sda
Probing devices to guess BIOS drives. This may take a long time.
Could not find device for /boot: Not found or not a block device.
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo grub-install /dev/sda
Probing devices to guess BIOS drives. This may take a long time.
Could not find device for /boot: Not found or not a block device.
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$

Please read this all before beginning.

So, as indicated by "ubuntu@ubuntu", all that accomplished was removing grub 2 from the live USB. I don't know what effect that may have had on the live USB itself, so step #1 at this point is to assure that the live USB is correct.

I would personally just wipe the usb stick and create a new live USB, then when you boot the live USB press any key when the purple screen with two small icons at the bottom appears.

You have only about 3 seconds to display the language selector followed by the live boot menu. From there select "Check disc for defects". It takes several minutes to complete.

It must show no errors found before proceeding any further!!!!!!!!

This is very important because if the live media is lacking the proper grub packages and/or file structure it can not properly install grub!

Since you ultimately want a dual boot with Windows 7 I would next wipe the drive and reinstall Windows. Make sure it boots properly and then use Windows own partitioning tool to resize the Windows partition, creating the desired amount of free space for Ubuntu.

Once again be sure that Windows still boots properly after the resizing process is done. Next we're going to use the known good Live USB to create the partitions for Ubuntu as described here:

http://members.iinet.net.au/%7Eherman546/p22.html

Note: That tutorial shows resizing the Windows partition with Gparted but I prefer using Windows own tools, so skip that part

First of all know in advance how large of a SWAP partition you want. Do you know how much RAM you have? You can see in Ubuntu by running:

free -m

If you truly have 8GB of RAM you'll probably want an 8GB SWAP to insure proper hibernation or suspend abilities.

Anyway review the section about creating partitions there and ask any questions you have before beginning. The reason we're doing this is so you can use the manual installation option (now literally called "Something else" as shown below):



You will have to manually select which partitions are used for what, and you'll then be able to select installing grub to the root "/" partition during installation as shown here:

http://members.iinet.net.au/%7Eherman546/p22/035.png

Then you can hopefully boot using EasyBCD in Windows. But I'm kind of getting ahead of myself.

Review that link about creating partitions and installing Ubuntu manually. If you find any of it confusing ask questions before beginning.

You must understand and pay attention to device designations. In the example in that how-to the root "/" partition is /dev/sda5. That is where you'll want to install grub!

Then when the installation is complete and you reboot you'll boot directly into Windows again, only now you'll go to the link below and download and install EasyBCD 2.1:

http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1

Note: the free download link is at the bottom of the page.

Then follow the instructions here to setup EasyBCD:

http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/EBCD/Windows+7

Clear as mud?

A quick recap (since I've had a gazillion interruptions):

Step #1: Create new Live USB and check it for errors.

Step #2: Wipe the drive and reinstall Win 7.

Step #3: Resize Windows using it's own tools.

Step #4: Create the partitions for Ubuntu using Gparted from the Live USB. Be sure to pay attention to partition designations!

Step #5: Install Ubuntu using the "Something else" option so you can select where to install grub, it must be installed to the root (aka: /) partition!

Step #6: When the installation is complete you'll boot directly into Windows, so install EasyBCD.

Step #7: Run EasyBCD and follow the "Vista before Linux" steps here:

http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/EBCD/Linux

I believe that should work. If not I'll need to see a new results text from the Boot Info Script.

Good luck, if any of this is confusing please ask questions before beginning.

[ProNux]

@kansasnoob,
Thanks for the detailed procedure. I will follow carefully as I can. Will post the results once available. It's 1:00AM in here, so I will try tomorrow.

Actually I've done various tests today, and I got the feeling the BIOS is the problem. I have limited options to change, NO selection of UEFI/BIOS modes. I actually had an old Karmic CD, booted Live and installed. Just installed normally, no errors, no dual boot. Infinite loop at POST. Even the Super Grub2 disk won't boot.

[kansasnoob]

@kansasnoob,
Thanks for the detailed procedure. I will follow carefully as I can. Will post the results once available. It's 1:00AM in here, so I will try tomorrow.

In deed, rest

Just be sure to do one thing at a time, and if you find any of the instructions confusing ask for help and be a bit patient as I'm quite busy ATM.

Normally I don't recommend EasyBCD, but recently I've found hardware situations where it's the only sane option.

[ProNux]

@kansasnoob
It did not work. When I select "Neosmart Linux" at startup, it only opens a grub shell.

I was thinking on the first place that Even an Ubuntu ONLY (no Dual Boot) does not boot in BIOS/MBR mode, so this EasyBCD may be futile. I can always run Ubuntu in Live USB, may it be UEFI (default) or by forced BIOS/MBR mode (by removing the "efi" folder in the Live USB). So I'm thinking that my BIOS is the problem and I starting to think that DUAL BOOT is IMPOSSIBLE with my notebook. I'm not sure if other bootloaders supporting UEFI should work.

Running Boot Info Script, results below. By the way, the /dev/sda3 is intentionally unformatted.

                  Boot Info Script 0.60    from 17 May 2011


============================= Boot Info Summary: ===============================

 => Windows is installed in the MBR of /dev/sda.
 => Syslinux MBR (3.61-4.03) is installed in the MBR of /dev/sdc.

sda1: __________________________________________________________________________

    File system:       ntfs
    Boot sector type:  Windows Vista/7
    Boot sector info:   No errors found in the Boot Parameter Block.
    Operating System:  
    Boot files:        /bootmgr /Boot/BCD

sda2: __________________________________________________________________________

    File system:       ntfs
    Boot sector type:  Windows Vista/7
    Boot sector info:   No errors found in the Boot Parameter Block.
    Operating System:  Windows 7
    Boot files:        /Windows/System32/winload.exe

sda3: __________________________________________________________________________

    File system:       
    Boot sector type:  -
    Boot sector info:  
    Mounting failed:   mount: unknown filesystem type ''

sda4: __________________________________________________________________________

    File system:       Extended Partition
    Boot sector type:  -
    Boot sector info:  

sda5: __________________________________________________________________________

    File system:       ext4
    Boot sector type:  -
    Boot sector info:  
    Operating System:  Ubuntu 11.04
    Boot files:        /boot/grub/grub.cfg /etc/fstab

sda6: __________________________________________________________________________

    File system:       swap
    Boot sector type:  -
    Boot sector info:  

sdc1: __________________________________________________________________________

    File system:       vfat
    Boot sector type:  SYSLINUX 4.03 2010-10-22 ........>..sr>........;.8...0...~.....~...f...M.f.f....f..0~....>E}.u......
    Boot sector info:   Syslinux looks at sector 7380432 of /dev/sdc1 for its 
                       second stage. SYSLINUX is installed in the  directory. 
                       The integrity check of the ADV area failed. No errors 
                       found in the Boot Parameter Block.
    Operating System:  
    Boot files:        /boot/grub/grub.cfg /syslinux.cfg /ldlinux.sys

============================ Drive/Partition Info: =============================

Drive: sda _____________________________________________________________________

Disk /dev/sda: 320.1 GB, 320072933376 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 38913 cylinders, total 625142448 sectors
Units = sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes

Partition  Boot  Start Sector    End Sector  # of Sectors  Id System

/dev/sda1    *          2,048       206,847       204,800   7 NTFS / exFAT / HPFS
/dev/sda2             206,848   167,979,007   167,772,160   7 NTFS / exFAT / HPFS
/dev/sda3         167,979,008   545,425,407   377,446,400   6 FAT16
/dev/sda4         545,427,454   625,141,759    79,714,306   5 Extended
/dev/sda5         545,427,456   608,342,015    62,914,560  83 Linux
/dev/sda6         608,344,064   625,141,759    16,797,696  82 Linux swap / Solaris


Drive: sdc _____________________________________________________________________

Disk /dev/sdc: 4009 MB, 4009754624 bytes
124 heads, 62 sectors/track, 1018 cylinders, total 7831552 sectors
Units = sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes

Partition  Boot  Start Sector    End Sector  # of Sectors  Id System

/dev/sdc1    *             62     7,826,383     7,826,322   b W95 FAT32


"blkid" output: ________________________________________________________________

Device           UUID                                   TYPE       LABEL

/dev/loop0                                              squashfs   
/dev/sda1        0CB8D5B2B8D59A92                       ntfs       System Reserved
/dev/sda2        1C7ED95E7ED9316E                       ntfs       
/dev/sda5        8c101f34-679e-404f-85f9-4b0510fbc23c   ext4       
/dev/sda6        992c7bee-ec80-411d-8a74-aa39899719ba   swap       
/dev/sdc1        08EC-09F3                              vfat       KYT

================================ Mount points: =================================

Device           Mount_Point              Type       Options

/dev/loop0       /rofs                    squashfs   (ro,noatime)
/dev/sdc1        /cdrom                   vfat       (ro,noatime,fmask=0022,dmask=0022,codepage=cp437,iocharset=iso8859-1,shortname=mixed,errors=remount-ro)


=========================== sda5/boot/grub/grub.cfg: ===========================

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#
# DO NOT EDIT THIS FILE
#
# It is automatically generated by grub-mkconfig using templates
# from /etc/grub.d and settings from /etc/default/grub
#

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/00_header ###
if [ -s $prefix/grubenv ]; then
  set have_grubenv=true
  load_env
fi
set default="0"
if [ "${prev_saved_entry}" ]; then
  set saved_entry="${prev_saved_entry}"
  save_env saved_entry
  set prev_saved_entry=
  save_env prev_saved_entry
  set boot_once=true
fi

function savedefault {
  if [ -z "${boot_once}" ]; then
    saved_entry="${chosen}"
    save_env saved_entry
  fi
}

function recordfail {
  set recordfail=1
  if [ -n "${have_grubenv}" ]; then if [ -z "${boot_once}" ]; then save_env recordfail; fi; fi
}

function load_video {
  insmod efi_gop
  insmod efi_uga
  insmod video_bochs
  insmod video_cirrus
}

insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='(/dev/sda,msdos5)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 8c101f34-679e-404f-85f9-4b0510fbc23c
if loadfont /usr/share/grub/unicode.pf2 ; then
  set gfxmode=auto
  load_video
  insmod gfxterm
fi
terminal_output gfxterm
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='(/dev/sda,msdos5)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 8c101f34-679e-404f-85f9-4b0510fbc23c
set locale_dir=($root)/boot/grub/locale
set lang=en_US
insmod gettext
if [ "${recordfail}" = 1 ]; then
  set timeout=-1
else
  set timeout=10
fi
### END /etc/grub.d/00_header ###

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/05_debian_theme ###
set menu_color_normal=white/black
set menu_color_highlight=black/light-gray
if background_color 44,0,30; then
  clear
fi
### END /etc/grub.d/05_debian_theme ###

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/10_linux ###
if [ ${recordfail} != 1 ]; then
  if [ -e ${prefix}/gfxblacklist.txt ]; then
    if hwmatch ${prefix}/gfxblacklist.txt 3; then
      if [ ${match} = 0 ]; then
        set linux_gfx_mode=keep
      else
        set linux_gfx_mode=text
      fi
    else
      set linux_gfx_mode=text
    fi
  else
    set linux_gfx_mode=keep
  fi
else
  set linux_gfx_mode=text
fi
export linux_gfx_mode
if [ "$linux_gfx_mode" != "text" ]; then load_video; fi
menuentry 'Ubuntu, with Linux 2.6.38-8-generic' --class ubuntu --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os {
	recordfail
	set gfxpayload=$linux_gfx_mode
	insmod part_msdos
	insmod ext2
	set root='(/dev/sda,msdos5)'
	search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 8c101f34-679e-404f-85f9-4b0510fbc23c
	linux	/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.38-8-generic root=UUID=8c101f34-679e-404f-85f9-4b0510fbc23c ro   quiet splash vt.handoff=7
	initrd	/boot/initrd.img-2.6.38-8-generic
}
menuentry 'Ubuntu, with Linux 2.6.38-8-generic (recovery mode)' --class ubuntu --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os {
	recordfail
	set gfxpayload=$linux_gfx_mode
	insmod part_msdos
	insmod ext2
	set root='(/dev/sda,msdos5)'
	search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 8c101f34-679e-404f-85f9-4b0510fbc23c
	echo	'Loading Linux 2.6.38-8-generic ...'
	linux	/boot/vmlinuz-2.6.38-8-generic root=UUID=8c101f34-679e-404f-85f9-4b0510fbc23c ro single 
	echo	'Loading initial ramdisk ...'
	initrd	/boot/initrd.img-2.6.38-8-generic
}
### END /etc/grub.d/10_linux ###

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/20_linux_xen ###
### END /etc/grub.d/20_linux_xen ###

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/20_memtest86+ ###
menuentry "Memory test (memtest86+)" {
	insmod part_msdos
	insmod ext2
	set root='(/dev/sda,msdos5)'
	search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 8c101f34-679e-404f-85f9-4b0510fbc23c
	linux16	/boot/memtest86+.bin
}
menuentry "Memory test (memtest86+, serial console 115200)" {
	insmod part_msdos
	insmod ext2
	set root='(/dev/sda,msdos5)'
	search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 8c101f34-679e-404f-85f9-4b0510fbc23c
	linux16	/boot/memtest86+.bin console=ttyS0,115200n8
}
### END /etc/grub.d/20_memtest86+ ###

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/30_os-prober ###
menuentry "Windows 7 (loader) (on /dev/sda1)" --class windows --class os {
	insmod part_msdos
	insmod ntfs
	set root='(/dev/sda,msdos1)'
	search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 0CB8D5B2B8D59A92
	chainloader +1
}
### END /etc/grub.d/30_os-prober ###

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/40_custom ###
# This file provides an easy way to add custom menu entries.  Simply type the
# menu entries you want to add after this comment.  Be careful not to change
# the 'exec tail' line above.
### END /etc/grub.d/40_custom ###

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/41_custom ###
if [ -f  $prefix/custom.cfg ]; then
  source $prefix/custom.cfg;
fi
### END /etc/grub.d/41_custom ###
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

=============================== sda5/etc/fstab: ================================

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# /etc/fstab: static file system information.
#
# Use 'blkid -o value -s UUID' to print the universally unique identifier
# for a device; this may be used with UUID= as a more robust way to name
# devices that works even if disks are added and removed. See fstab(5).
#
# <file system> <mount point>   <type>  <options>       <dump>  <pass>
proc            /proc           proc    nodev,noexec,nosuid 0       0
# / was on /dev/sda5 during installation
UUID=8c101f34-679e-404f-85f9-4b0510fbc23c /               ext4    errors=remount-ro 0       1
# swap was on /dev/sda6 during installation
UUID=992c7bee-ec80-411d-8a74-aa39899719ba none            swap    sw              0       0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

=================== sda5: Location of files loaded by Grub: ====================

           GiB - GB             File                                 Fragment(s)

 276.219089508 = 296.587988992  boot/grub/grub.cfg                             1
 261.256381989 = 280.521904128  boot/initrd.img-2.6.38-8-generic               2
 284.212894440 = 305.171271680  boot/vmlinuz-2.6.38-8-generic                  1
 261.256381989 = 280.521904128  initrd.img                                     2
 284.212894440 = 305.171271680  vmlinuz                                        1

=========================== sdc1/boot/grub/grub.cfg: ===========================

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

if loadfont /boot/grub/font.pf2 ; then
	set gfxmode=auto
	insmod efi_gop
	insmod efi_uga
	insmod gfxterm
	terminal_output gfxterm
fi

set menu_color_normal=white/black
set menu_color_highlight=black/light-gray

menuentry "Try Ubuntu without installing" {
	set gfxpayload=keep
	linux	/casper/vmlinuz  file=/cdrom/preseed/ubuntu.seed boot=casper quiet splash --
	initrd	/casper/initrd.lz
}
menuentry "Install Ubuntu" {
	set gfxpayload=keep
	linux	/casper/vmlinuz  file=/cdrom/preseed/ubuntu.seed boot=casper only-ubiquity quiet splash --
	initrd	/casper/initrd.lz
}
menuentry "Check disc for defects" {
	set gfxpayload=keep
	linux	/casper/vmlinuz  boot=casper integrity-check quiet splash --
	initrd	/casper/initrd.lz
}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

============================== sdc1/syslinux.cfg: ==============================

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
default menu.c32

prompt 0

menu title UNetbootin

timeout 100



label unetbootindefault

menu label Default

kernel /ubnkern

append initrd=/ubninit file=/cdrom/preseed/ubuntu.seed boot=casper quiet splash --



label ubnentry0

menu label ^Help

kernel /ubnkern

append initrd=/ubninit 



label ubnentry1

menu label ^Try Ubuntu without installing

kernel /casper/vmlinuz

append initrd=/casper/initrd.lz file=/cdrom/preseed/ubuntu.seed boot=casper  quiet splash --



label ubnentry2

menu label ^Install Ubuntu

kernel /casper/vmlinuz

append initrd=/casper/initrd.lz file=/cdrom/preseed/ubuntu.seed boot=casper only-ubiquity  quiet splash --



label ubnentry3

menu label ^Check disc for defects

kernel /casper/vmlinuz

append initrd=/casper/initrd.lz boot=casper integrity-check  quiet splash --



label ubnentry4

menu label Test ^memory

kernel /install/mt86plus

append initrd=/ubninit 



label ubnentry5

menu label ^Boot from first hard disk

kernel /ubnkern

append initrd=/ubninit 



label ubnentry6

menu label Try Ubuntu without installing

kernel /casper/vmlinuz

append initrd=/casper/initrd.lz file=/cdrom/preseed/ubuntu.seed boot=casper quiet splash --



label ubnentry7

menu label Install Ubuntu

kernel /casper/vmlinuz

append initrd=/casper/initrd.lz file=/cdrom/preseed/ubuntu.seed boot=casper only-ubiquity quiet splash --



label ubnentry8

menu label Check disc for defects

kernel /casper/vmlinuz

append initrd=/casper/initrd.lz boot=casper integrity-check quiet splash --



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

=================== sdc1: Location of files loaded by Grub: ====================

           GiB - GB             File                                 Fragment(s)

            ?? = ??             boot/grub/grub.cfg                             1

================= sdc1: Location of files loaded by Syslinux: ==================

           GiB - GB             File                                 Fragment(s)

            ?? = ??             ldlinux.sys                                    1
            ?? = ??             menu.c32                                       1
            ?? = ??             syslinux.cfg                                   1

============== sdc1: Version of COM32(R) files used by Syslinux: ===============

 menu.c32                           :  COM32R module (v4.xx)

========= Devices which don't seem to have a corresponding hard drive: =========

sdb 

=============================== StdErr Messages: ===============================

/home/ubuntu/Downloads/boot_info_script.sh: line 1579: [: 2.73495e+09: integer expression expected

The history of my tests are found here. If you have not yet read, PLEASE do.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1753717&page=2.

Some key points:
1. My BIOS has no explicit selection to boot in UEFI/BIOS mode

2. If I install Ubuntu Natty x64 (no dual boot), it defaults to UEFI. After reboot, the grub won't show up but boots directly. If I force install to MBR (by manually creating/specifying MBR partition by connecting th hard disk to my dekstop), it results to infinite loop at POST. If I install Ubuntu after installing Windows in MBR mode, it just boots directly Windows, no GRUB menu, as if no other OSes were installed except Windows.

3. If I attempt to install Windows 7 x64, it defaults to MBR. If I force install Windows in UEFI (by manually creating UEFI/GPT), it won't continue. It says Windows cannot be installed in a GPT disk. Same error when I install Windows after Ubuntu install (dual boot) in UEFI/GPT.

4. My BIOS seems to reject GRUB1. It can accept GRUB2 but no GRUB menu after 1st reboot after Ubuntu install (no dual boot). Even Super Grub2 WON'T boot!

5. I'm thinking of using ELILO or Syslinux or any other boot loaders. I think this is my direction right now. What do you think? But I don't know yet how.

Please read the history of my tests done on my notebook as I posted above. I've spent much effort on my dual boot to work.

I'm thinking this may be a new problem for Dual boot that needs to be addressed for a troublesome BIOS like mine.

[ProNux]

@kansasnoob
UPDATE:
Out of curiosity, I followed your procedure again and installed Natty x86 (I have always used x64 in my previous tests) and the Easy BCD worked! The Grub menu appeared after selecting the NeoSmart Linux (I did not rename the default name) at boot time. What seems to be the rootcause? Is it the GRUB2 for x-64? If so, how to install GRUB from x86 to run Ubuntu x64?

I want to take full advantage of x64 because my CPU supports it and I have plenty of RAM.

[kansasnoob]

@kansasnoob
UPDATE:
Out of curiosity, I followed your procedure again and installed Natty x86 (I have always used x64 in my previous tests) and the Easy BCD worked! The Grub menu appeared after selecting the NeoSmart Linux (I did not rename the default name) at boot time. What seems to be the rootcause? Is it the GRUB2 for x-64? If so, how to install GRUB from x86 to run Ubuntu x64?

I want to take full advantage of x64 because my CPU supports it and I have plenty of RAM.

Great, that's helpful. Now be a bit patient so we can figure this out and get you set up properly

Somehow the 64 bit version failed to install grub to the partition boot sector. Look here:

sda5: __________________________________________________ ________________________

File system: ext4
Boot sector type: -
Boot sector info:
Operating System: Ubuntu 11.04
Boot files: /boot/grub/grub.cfg /etc/fstab

Here's an example of what the root partitions output should look like if grub is installed to the boot sector:

sda9: __________________________________________________ ________________________

File system: ext4
Boot sector type: Grub2 (v1.99)
Boot sector info: Grub2 (v1.99) is installed in the boot sector of sda9
and looks at sector 70638776 of the same hard drive
for core.img, but core.img can not be found at this
location.
Operating System: Ubuntu oneiric (development
branch)
Boot files: /boot/grub/grub.cfg /etc/fstab /boot/grub/core.img

You can also see it was missing /boot/grub/core.img . It may be difficult and somewhat time consuming to figure this out so please be patient and we'll whack away at this one step at a time.

In the process we'll both likely learn a few things and even have a little fun

The first place I want to start is double checking your current partitioning setup. I noticed you created a fairly large FAT16 partition:

sda3: __________________________________________________ ________________________

File system:
Boot sector type: -
Boot sector info:
Mounting failed: mount: unknown filesystem type ''

Is that for data? I think FAT16 is a poor choice but I'd like to know what you have in mind there.

Also I really stink at math, I always have, so I'd really appreciate either a screenshot of Gparted or the output of:

sudo parted -l

What I'm thinking is that you might really benefit from a multi-boot with Windows, Ubuntu 32 bit and Ubuntu 64 bit. That way if you're having troubles with something in 64 bit you can see if the behavior is the same in 32 bit, etc.

I do a lot of development iso-testing so I run multi-boots a lot. Here's a shot of a fairly recent testing build:



I don't recommend the same setup for you but it's just an example. I find it's always cool to have one well working stable distro while I'm testing a new one.

That way when the new one frustrates me to the point I'm about to pull all of my hair out I can just boot into the stable OS and enjoy.

I may be quite busy, and therefore have limited time to reply, for the next couple of weeks due to Oneiric final bug fixing and iso-testing, and I'm also trying to finish up remodeling my kitchen, so please be patient

[kansasnoob]

I just had a silly thought. Were both the 64 bit and 32 bit installation media produced with Unetbootin?

I don't currently have 64 bit hardware to test on, but I will have in a few weeks. In fact I have a new mobo and CPU coming next week, but I have Oneiric testing to complete in the meanwhile (eleven days left to go) and I need to decide what case and other peripherals to use once I get it

But I very strongly suspect a problem with the installation media, no idea if it's an Ubuntu bug or something to do with Unetbootin.

Once we get a solid partitioning plan in place I think it would be wise to create a new 64 bit Live USB using your newly installed 32 bit with Ubuntu's own "Startup Disk Creator" just to be sure it's not a problem with how Unetbootin is handling the creation.

And always check the disk/USB integrity as previously explained

BTW, oldfred is very darn good at partitioning layouts