cant boot into ubuntu

[akshayvadnere]

i have installed ubuntu 12.04 64 bit for the 20 time now but still the grub bootloader doesnt show up and windows 7 gets automatically started. what should i do? this doesnt happen when i install ubuntu 11.10 or backtrack 5 r2. please help. i tried redownloading a fresh iso of ubuntu 2 times but the problem persists.

[Bucky Ball]

What happens when you boot from the CD and 'Try Ubuntu' rather than install? Does Ubuntu run ok from the CD?

[akshayvadnere]

'try ubuntu' works just fine.also the installation shows no errors. at the end it asks me restart pc and remove the installation media, after this the pc directly boots into windows 7.

[darkod]

Boot into live mode and use the boot info script from the link in my signature. Post the results as explained there. It will show more details.

One option is that grub2 from ubuntu ended up on another disk and you only need to change the order in bios (in case you have more than one hdd).

Another option is that grub2 didn't install at all, in which case you can simply reinstall it, without reinstalling the whole ubuntu (you said that didn't help anyway).

The results will show us what is best to be done.

[akshayvadnere]

how should i boot into live mode.

[dino99]

how should i boot into live mode.

from livecd

[Shadius]

how should i boot into live mode.

Insert the Ubuntu LiveCD and select Try Ubuntu, then download and run the Boot Info Script. Post back the results here using the [CODE] tags or by pressing the # button on the toolbar of the message box.

[akshayvadnere]

i downloaded the boot info script and chose the option of 'run in terminal' window appeared and disappeared in a flash..how to use the boot info script, please help..

[darkod]

Open terminal yourself. Don't use right-click, Run in terminal.

Click the ubuntu logo, first button in the Unity interface on the left, and in the search line type terminal. It will show you the program, click on it to open.

Then, depending if the script is downloaded and extracted in your Home folder, execute it with:
sudo ./bootinfoscript

Or depending where is the extracted file, with:
sudo ./path/bootinfoscript

That will create results.txt file. Post the content as per the instructions.

[akshayvadnere]

this was in result file:


Boot Info Script 0.61 [1 April 2012]


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

=> Grub2 (v1.97-1.98) is installed in the MBR of /dev/sda and looks at sector
1 of the same hard drive for core.img. core.img is at this location and
looks in partition 5 for /boot/grub.
=> Syslinux MBR (3.61-4.03) is installed in the MBR of /dev/sdb.

sda1: __________________________________________________ ________________________

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

sda3: __________________________________________________ ________________________

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

sda4: __________________________________________________ ________________________

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

sda5: __________________________________________________ ________________________

File system: ext4
Boot sector type: -
Boot sector info:
Operating System: BackTrack 5 R2 - Code Name
Revolution 64 bit
Boot files: /boot/grub/grub.cfg /etc/fstab /boot/grub/core.img

sda6: __________________________________________________ ________________________

File system: ext4
Boot sector type: -
Boot sector info:
Operating System: Ubuntu 12.04 LTS
Boot files: /boot/grub/grub.cfg /etc/fstab

sdb1: __________________________________________________ ________________________

File system: vfat
Boot sector type: SYSLINUX 4.03 2010-10-22 ........>..sr>..........9...0...~.....~...f...M.f.f....f..0~....>E}.u......
Boot sector info: Syslinux looks at sector 1628952 of /dev/sdb1 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
/efi/boot/bootx64.efi /ldlinux.sys

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

Drive: sda __________________________________________________ ___________________

Disk /dev/sda: 750.2 GB, 750156374016 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 91201 cylinders, total 1465149168 sectors
Units = sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 4096 bytes

Partition Boot Start Sector End Sector # of Sectors Id System

/dev/sda1 * 2,048 411,647 409,600 7 NTFS / exFAT / HPFS
/dev/sda2 411,648 413,515,775 413,104,128 7 NTFS / exFAT / HPFS
/dev/sda3 413,515,776 1,283,915,775 870,400,000 7 NTFS / exFAT / HPFS
/dev/sda4 1,283,917,822 1,465,147,391 181,229,570 5 Extended
/dev/sda5 1,283,917,824 1,322,977,279 39,059,456 83 Linux
/dev/sda6 1,322,979,328 1,465,147,391 142,168,064 83 Linux


Drive: sdb __________________________________________________ ___________________

Disk /dev/sdb: 8103 MB, 8103395328 bytes
196 heads, 32 sectors/track, 2523 cylinders, total 15826944 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/sdb1 * 32 15,826,943 15,826,912 b W95 FAT32


"blkid" output: __________________________________________________ ______________

Device UUID TYPE LABEL

/dev/loop0 squashfs
/dev/sda1 F04483F54483BD3A ntfs
/dev/sda2 508A85828A8564F6 ntfs Windows
/dev/sda3 5CB6E77DB6E755D4 ntfs New Volume
/dev/sda5 bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805 ext4
/dev/sda6 39e0041a-05ed-453f-8f6d-b7027646dfa6 ext4
/dev/sdb1 A45D-CFE4 vfat AKSHAY

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

Device Mount_Point Type Options

/dev/loop0 /rofs squashfs (ro,noatime)
/dev/sdb1 /cdrom vfat (ro,noatime,fmask=0022,dmask=0022,codepage=cp437,i ocharset=iso8859-1,shortname=mixed,errors=remount-ro)


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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#
# DO NOT EDIT THIS FILE
#
# It is automatically generated by /usr/sbin/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
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 ${boot_once} ]; then save_env recordfail; fi; fi
}
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,5)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805
if loadfont /usr/share/grub/unicode.pf2 ; then
set gfxmode=1024x768
set gfxpayload=keep
insmod gfxterm
insmod vbe
if terminal_output gfxterm ; then true ; else
# For backward compatibility with versions of terminal.mod that don't
# understand terminal_output
terminal gfxterm
fi
fi
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,5)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805
set locale_dir=($root)/boot/grub/locale
set lang=en
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
### END /etc/grub.d/05_debian_theme ###

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/10_linux ###
menuentry 'Ubuntu, with Linux 3.2.6' --class ubuntu --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os {
recordfail
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,5)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805
linux /boot/vmlinuz-3.2.6 root=UUID=bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805 ro text splash vga=791
initrd /boot/initrd.img-3.2.6
}
menuentry 'Ubuntu, with Linux 3.2.6 (recovery mode)' --class ubuntu --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os {
recordfail
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,5)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805
echo 'Loading Linux 3.2.6 ...'
linux /boot/vmlinuz-3.2.6 root=UUID=bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805 ro single
echo 'Loading initial ramdisk ...'
initrd /boot/initrd.img-3.2.6
}
### END /etc/grub.d/10_linux ###

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/20_memtest86+ ###
menuentry "Memory test (memtest86+)" {
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,5)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805
linux16 /boot/memtest86+.bin
}
menuentry "Memory test (memtest86+, serial console 115200)" {
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,5)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805
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)" {
insmod ntfs
set root='(hd0,1)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set F04483F54483BD3A
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 ###
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

=============================== 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=bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805 / ext4 errors=remount-ro 0 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

GiB - GB File Fragment(s)

= boot/grub/core.img 1
= boot/grub/grub.cfg 1
= boot/initrdf.img-3.2.6 2
= boot/initrd.img-3.2.6 2
= boot/initrds.img-3.2.6 2
= boot/vmlinuz-3.2.6 1
= initrd.img 2
= vmlinuz 1

=========================== sda6/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='(hd0,msdos6)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 39e0041a-05ed-453f-8f6d-b7027646dfa6
if loadfont /usr/share/grub/unicode.pf2 ; then
set gfxmode=auto
load_video
insmod gfxterm
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,msdos6)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 39e0041a-05ed-453f-8f6d-b7027646dfa6
set locale_dir=($root)/boot/grub/locale
set lang=en_IN
insmod gettext
fi
terminal_output gfxterm
if [ "${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 ###
function gfxmode {
set gfxpayload="$1"
if [ "$1" = "keep" ]; then
set vt_handoff=vt.handoff=7
else
set vt_handoff=
fi
}
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 3.2.0-23-generic' --class ubuntu --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os {
recordfail
gfxmode $linux_gfx_mode
insmod gzio
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,msdos6)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 39e0041a-05ed-453f-8f6d-b7027646dfa6
linux /boot/vmlinuz-3.2.0-23-generic root=UUID=39e0041a-05ed-453f-8f6d-b7027646dfa6 ro quiet splash $vt_handoff
initrd /boot/initrd.img-3.2.0-23-generic
}
menuentry 'Ubuntu, with Linux 3.2.0-23-generic (recovery mode)' --class ubuntu --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os {
recordfail
insmod gzio
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,msdos6)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 39e0041a-05ed-453f-8f6d-b7027646dfa6
echo 'Loading Linux 3.2.0-23-generic ...'
linux /boot/vmlinuz-3.2.0-23-generic root=UUID=39e0041a-05ed-453f-8f6d-b7027646dfa6 ro recovery nomodeset
echo 'Loading initial ramdisk ...'
initrd /boot/initrd.img-3.2.0-23-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='(hd0,msdos6)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 39e0041a-05ed-453f-8f6d-b7027646dfa6
linux16 /boot/memtest86+.bin
}
menuentry "Memory test (memtest86+, serial console 115200)" {
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,msdos6)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 39e0041a-05ed-453f-8f6d-b7027646dfa6
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='(hd0,msdos1)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root F04483F54483BD3A
chainloader +1
}
menuentry "Ubuntu, with Linux 3.2.6 (on /dev/sda5)" --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os {
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,msdos5)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805
linux /boot/vmlinuz-3.2.6 root=UUID=bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805 ro text splash vga=791
initrd /boot/initrd.img-3.2.6
}
menuentry "Ubuntu, with Linux 3.2.6 (recovery mode) (on /dev/sda5)" --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os {
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='(hd0,msdos5)'
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805
linux /boot/vmlinuz-3.2.6 root=UUID=bb7c0ca1-0e61-432b-9df8-ac0aad0bd805 ro single
initrd /boot/initrd.img-3.2.6
}
### 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 ###
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

=============================== sda6/etc/fstab: ================================

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# /etc/fstab: static file system information.
#
# Use 'blkid' 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/sda6 during installation
UUID=39e0041a-05ed-453f-8f6d-b7027646dfa6 / ext4 errors=remount-ro 0 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

=================== sda6: Location of files loaded by Grub: ====================

GiB - GB File Fragment(s)

= boot/grub/grub.cfg 1
= boot/initrd.img-3.2.0-23-generic 2
= boot/vmlinuz-3.2.0-23-generic 1
= initrd.img 2
= vmlinuz 1

=========================== sdb1/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
}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

============================== sdb1/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 --

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

=================== sdb1: Location of files loaded by Grub: ====================

GiB - GB File Fragment(s)

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

================= sdb1: Location of files loaded by Syslinux: ==================

GiB - GB File Fragment(s)

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

============== sdb1: 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: =========

sdc

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

awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
awk: cmd. line:36: Math support is not compiled in
./bootinfoscript: line 1646: [: 2.73495e+09: integer expression expected

[wilee-nilee]

Boot that ubuntu cd open a terminal and copy and paste these command as they are and follow the directions.


sudo mount /dev/sda6 /mnt
for i in /dev /dev/pts /proc /sys; do sudo mount -B $i /mnt$i; done
sudo chroot /mnt
apt-get purge grub-pc grub-commonWhen asked here if you want to completely remove grub say yes

apt-get install grub-pc grub-commonWhen asked here where you want grub tick sda only use the space key to do this.

grub-install --recheck /dev/sda
update-grub
Exit chroot: CTRL-D on keyboard
sudo rebootPrecise will be first on the boot menu and has grub control.

[akshayvadnere]

please reply. i have posted the script

[darkod]

You already have the reply. Follow the instructions wilee gave you to reinstall grub2. That should get it going. Right now the ubuntu grub2 didn't install completely.

If you are only checking your email for replies, some might be missing, visit the forum and you should see them all.

[Bucky Ball]

you already have the reply. Follow the instructions wilee gave you to reinstall grub2.

+1.

[akshayvadnere]

After this step

apt-get purge grub-pc grub-commonit gives this message


Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
Virtual packages like 'grub-pc' can't be removed
E: Unable to locate package grub-common
root@ubuntu:/#

[wilee-nilee]

After this step

apt-get purge grub-pc grub-commonit gives this message


Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
Virtual packages like 'grub-pc' can't be removed
E: Unable to locate package grub-common
root@ubuntu:/#

So are you copying and pasting these commands exactly, one mistake and they will not work?

Don't try typing them is my advice.

[akshayvadnere]

i tried copying them, but still didnt work..again did the same thing by reinstalling ubuntu but same problem...i used the same cd to install ubuntu on my pc and it works just fine. only in my laptop this problem occurs. right now i m also using backtrack 5 r2 and the grub bootloader of backtrack is executed at beginning but there is no option for ubuntu 12.04

[wilee-nilee]

i tried copying them, but still didnt work..again did the same thing by reinstalling ubuntu but same problem...i used the same cd to install ubuntu on my pc and it works just fine. only in my laptop this problem occurs

I have a feeling you have a DRM issue lets use another tool to get the bootscript but a modified version that will show this sort of problem.

Use this tool the boot-repair app, just run the bootinfo summary, and post the HTTP address.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Boot-Repair

Also when you start saying reinstall, and include a reference to another computer, be exact in what you have done, when it was done and to what computer, otherwise we get to asking a lot of questions to confirm what exactly has been done.

That section of your explanation could have multiple interpretations easily.

[akshayvadnere]

i'll try that new method. the steps i used were:
1. i selected something else option for installation.
2.i have a 70gb partition for ubuntu i formatted that drive and used / as mount point also i used extrn 4 format
3.for installing boot loader i selected the 1st option from drop down menu which shows me my entire hard disk size 750 gb. in the drop down menu i have one option in which it shows windows 7 and other shows ubuntu 10.04 which i guess is for backtrack.

[wilee-nilee]

i'll try that new method. the steps i used were:
1. i selected something else option for installation.
2.i have a 70gb partition for ubuntu i formatted that drive and used / as mount point also i used extrn 4 format
3.for installing boot loader i selected the 1st option from drop down menu which shows me my entire hard disk size 750 gb. in the drop down menu i have one option in which it shows windows 7 and other shows ubuntu 10.04 which i guess is for backtrack.

THanks that makes it a bit clearer. To be honest I'm not sure why the original commands did not work.

The Ubuntu install in sda6 is just missing this.

/boot/grub/core.img

I wonder if you just have a bad install, it does happen, but the secondary boot script may show information needed.

Not sure why you have installed backtrack as well it is made to be on a usb stick not a full install. It is rather useless as a full install really. As well it is for the serious geeks who know how to use it, personally I would not even try.

[darkod]

I would still try again with the chroot procedure. This time actually type the commands, the copy paste in terminal can also go wrong. And use separate mount commands instead of the long loop one.

That error message in post #15 mentioned virtual packages, not sure if that refers to live mode or not. Because if you tried that outside of the chroot, it would not have worked.

You need to boot with the cd in Try Ubuntu, open terminal and execute one by one all commands, without restarting the computer. When you restart, all changes done in the live session are lost and you have to start at the beginning again.

So, boot live mode, open terminal and try:

sudo mount /dev/sda6 /mnt
sudo mount --bind /proc /mnt/proc
sudo mount --bind /dev /mnt/dev
sudo mount --bind /sys /mnt/sys
sudo chroot /mnt

apt-get remove --purge grub-pc grub-common
apt-get install grub-pc
grub-install /dev/sda
update-grub

exit
sudo umount /mnt/sys
sudo umount /mnt/dev
sudo umount /mnt/proc
sudo umount /mnt

See if that helps.

[akshayvadnere]

this url was generated
http://paste.ubuntu.com/1027435/

[wilee-nilee]

I would still try again with the chroot procedure. This time actually type the commands, the copy paste in terminal can also go wrong. And use separate mount commands instead of the long loop one.

That error message in post #15 mentioned virtual packages, not sure if that refers to live mode or not. Because if you tried that outside of the chroot, it would not have worked.

You need to boot with the cd in Try Ubuntu, open terminal and execute one by one all commands, without restarting the computer. When you restart, all changes done in the live session are lost and you have to start at the beginning again.

So, boot live mode, open terminal and try:

sudo mount /dev/sda6 /mnt
sudo mount --bind /proc /mnt/proc
sudo mount --bind /dev /mnt/dev
sudo mount --bind /sys /mnt/sys
sudo chroot /mnt

apt-get remove --purge grub-pc grub-common
apt-get install grub-pc
grub-install /dev/sda
update-grub

exit
sudo umount /mnt/sys
sudo umount /mnt/dev
sudo umount /mnt/proc
sudo umount /mntSee if that helps.

Good eye darkod, the very strange command that subs for these straight forward ones here has a virtual element to it.

OP I would try this.

[akshayvadnere]

this url was generated
http://paste.ubuntu.com/1027435/

[darkod]

After running the commands from post #21?

Those results look the same as the first ones.

On another note, since it looks like BT uses grub2 also, maybe all you need to do is boot BT and try to execute in terminal something like:
sudo update-grub

Not sure about BT but that's what you would use in ubuntu to detect a new OS. It should detect your new ubuntu installation, the only thing is what command do you need to run in BT to update grub2, whether it's the same as in ubuntu or not.

The procedure for installing grub2 from ubuntu should still work, but it's up to you. You can try simply updating BT's grub2.

[wilee-nilee]

After running the commands from post #21?

Those results look the same as the first ones.

On another note, since it looks like BT uses grub2 also, maybe all you need to do is boot BT and try to execute in terminal something like:
sudo update-grub

Not sure about BT but that's what you would use in ubuntu to detect a new OS. It should detect your new ubuntu installation, the only thing is what command do you need to run in BT to update grub2, whether it's the same as in ubuntu or not.

The procedure for installing grub2 from ubuntu should still work, but it's up to you. You can try simply updating BT's grub2.

I think that script was run before trying your commands, just in the time frame.

I missed the third script, so I am probably wrong here

[darkod]

I think that script was run before trying your commands, just in the time frame.

I missed the third script, so I am probably wrong here

Both links have same numbers. Both posts with links are for the same results. Not sure if it was run before trying post #21 though, I think so too.

[Bucky Ball]

On another note, since it looks like BT uses grub2 also, maybe all you need to do is boot BT and try to execute in terminal something like:
sudo update-grub



+1. This could just work. That means, of course, that Backtrack will now be running the show, re grub and therefore booting you machine, and that may not be desirable ...

Any changes you want to make to the grub will need to be made in Backtrack. ;)

[akshayvadnere]

so can anyone tell me how to update grub from backtrack..what about the url i posted about boot repair, did it show any errors?

[wilee-nilee]

so can anyone tell me how to update grub from backtrack..what about the url i posted about boot repair, did it show any errors?

From post 25

sudo update-grubHave you tried from the live cd darkods commands in post 21.

The comands I gave you originally were for a chroot into the ubuntu install the ones in 21 are as well but in a different command sequence.

The deal here is that this should be an easy fix, so we are a bit confused as to why my commands did not work, at least I am anyway.

try the ones in 21 if you have not yet from a live cd.

The last two scripts you posted were the same ones, they all look the same basically.

If you post a script explain what you did with the post.

[akshayvadnere]

ok. i'll try those commands too, can i also try the recommended repair option from boot repair disk?

[wilee-nilee]

ok. i'll try those commands too, can i also try the recommended repair option from boot repair disk?

The only one on the boot-reapir you would use is the purge, in advanced, which is exactly what we have been trying so far with my commands and darkods.

You could try if you want, it will give you commands to copy and paste.

[akshayvadnere]

this is what i got by darklod's command

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo mount /dev/sda6 /mnt
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo mount --bind /proc /mnt/proc
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo mount --bind /dev /mnt/dev
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo mount --bind /sys /mnt/sys
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo chroot /mnt
root@ubuntu:/# apt-get remove --purge grub-pc grub-common
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
Virtual packages like 'grub-pc' can't be removed
E: Unable to locate package grub-common
root@ubuntu:/# apt-get install grub-pc
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
Package grub-pc is not available, but is referred to by another package.
This may mean that the package is missing, has been obsoleted, or
is only available from another source

E: Package 'grub-pc' has no installation candidate
root@ubuntu:/# grub-install /dev/sda
The program 'grub-install' can be found in the following packages:
* grub
* grub-efi-amd64
* grub-efi-ia32
* grub-pc
* lupin-support
* grub-coreboot
* grub-ieee1275
Try: apt-get install <selected package>
root@ubuntu:/# apt-get install grub-pc
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
Package grub-pc is not available, but is referred to by another package.
This may mean that the package is missing, has been obsoleted, or
is only available from another source

E: Package 'grub-pc' has no installation candidate
root@ubuntu:/# update-grub
The program 'update-grub' can be found in the following packages:
* grub
* grub2-common
Try: apt-get install <selected package>
root@ubuntu:/#

[akshayvadnere]

yippie!!!!!! ubuntu has finally started. i ran the boot repair disk in 64 bit session and it worked..thank you guys so much for your support aand help..although it shows me 3 errors at the beginning after selecting the ubuntu option from boot menu..but its working so i guess they wont be a problem..thank you all once again!!

[Bucky Ball]

Great news. Please mark thread as solved if it is. ;)