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View Full Version : [ubuntu] Startup USB Boots all OS unless Ubuntu is reinstalled


Dtfa
June 14th, 2009, 05:52 AM
System: Athalon X2
Problem's background:
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Originally, I had planned to make a grub boot floppy. However, this failed too many times to count. The Ubuntu community doc that I followed appears below.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GrubHowto

I was able to successfully create a startup (Rescue USB) by combing the previous Ubuntu documentation with this link: Super grub disk boot usb (http://www.supergrubdisk.org/wiki/SGD_Howto_make?phpMyAdmin=4d5aa646470e3977a1583037 59c2efde#How_to_make_a_Super_Grub_Disk_USB.) Now, onto the problem
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The problem:
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If I create a"Grub boot USB Flashdrive" under the condition that Ubuntu was installed last (Last meaning Ubuntu is installed after the installation of Vista & the other two Linux distros) the created "startup USB" will boot every operating system on the SATA disk.
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However, if for whatever reason, I am forced to reinstall Ubuntu. Then the subsequently created "Grub boot USB Flashdrive" will only boot Ubuntu.
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Could someone please tell me what I am doing wrong? Google & 10 pages of this forums post did not help me.
I even tried the village witchdoctor's solution & it also failed to yield success.
Thanks
signed, baffled
Dtfa
June 18th, 2009, 07:43 AM
Bump
Perhaps no one saw this. However, if someone sees this post, help would be greatly appreciated.
Grazi
Dtfa
June 22nd, 2009, 02:56 AM
Bump
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It's been a week, yet no one has offered to help.
Any help would be appreciated! :)
Thanks in advance
Dtfa
July 4th, 2009, 10:17 AM
I corrected some gross typing errors in my original post.
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Perhaps, someone can help me now?
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Basically, I just want to create a "grub boot USB flashdrive" that will boot all installed operating systems." If I install Ubuntu last, creating "grub boot USB flashdrive" that will boot multiple Linux distros is easy; However, if Ubuntu is installed first, then it is impossible to use Ubuntu to create a "grub boot USB flashdrive" that will boot other Linux Distros. Super Grub USB does not work.
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Thanks
earthpigg
July 4th, 2009, 11:26 AM
are you aware of the super grub disk and ultimate boot cd projects?

http://www.supergrubdisk.org/
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

super grub has a download specifically intended to be used with a usb thumb drive, and it also has a very nice wiki.
Dtfa
July 5th, 2009, 08:59 PM
are you aware of the super grub disk and ultimate boot cd projects?

http://www.supergrubdisk.org/
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

super grub has a download specifically intended to be used with a usb thumb drive, and it also has a very nice wiki.

Not solved but found work-around

Thanks for responding! :) finally, someone responded although my typing errors probably did not help.
Anyway, yes I am familiar with them.
Supergrub disk CD worked fine on the older machine, and it worked almost as well on my newer machine. However, scratches, destroy CDs while USB seems scratch and even washing machines resistant, so I just want the security of USB. "Supergrubdisk USB" does not work for me, period; it just hangs at the initial splash-screen.
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As for the "Ultimate Boot Cd," I tested it & found the CD to be immensely complicated.
I just got stuck in a loop always returning unwittingly to the starting point.
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I now have a working Linux distribution (Slax) installed on a flashdrive. Installing it was far simpler than using the "Ultimate Boot CD" Now that I have Slax, should I ever need to: "dd" my MBR back to the computer, run "Testdisk," gparted, a clam virus scan, a "windows password cracker" (I run Vista too) or log onto the internet (while running a firewall) for more information, I am covered. Too bad Ubuntu does not make something like this, for it's a great tool.
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Hope this helps someone, and thanks for your response despite the fact that it was 3 weeks late. Just kidding :D