I cannot start neither ubuntu nor windows

[kurcakko]

I bought lately an usb external hard drive Verbatim 1TB and I tried to install a fresh Ubuntu 14.04 64 bit on it. I have also in my laptop an internal hdd 320GB with my Windows 7. All the installation process went well, I created 3 partitions on my external drive: ext4 and swap for Ubuntu and ntfs for the data. I put Ubuntu on the first one. The problem appears when I try to boot up the system. I can see GRUB menu with Ubuntu and Windows 7 listed on but none entry works. When I highlight any of them, hit Enter, GRUB menu disappears, the screen gets violet and nothing happens. Doesn't matter if I choose Ubuntu or Windows 7 the system doesn't boot. What am I doing wrong? Help me, please. Kind regards. Marcin PS. this is my grub.cfg file:


# 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 $prefix/grubenv ]; then
set have_grubenv=true
load_env
fi
if [ "${next_entry}" ] ; then
set default="${next_entry}"
set next_entry=
save_env next_entry
set boot_once=true
else
set default="0"
fi

if [ x"${feature_menuentry_id}" = xy ]; then
menuentry_id_option="--id"
else
menuentry_id_option=""
fi

export menuentry_id_option

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 {
if [ x$feature_all_video_module = xy ]; then
insmod all_video
else
insmod efi_gop
insmod efi_uga
insmod ieee1275_fb
insmod vbe
insmod vga
insmod video_bochs
insmod video_cirrus
fi
}

if [ x$feature_default_font_path = xy ] ; then
font=unicode
else
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='hd1,msdos1'
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root --hint-bios=hd1,msdos1 --hint-efi=hd1,msdos1 --hint-baremetal=ahci1,msdos1 a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
else
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
fi
font="/usr/share/grub/unicode.pf2"
fi

if loadfont $font ; then
set gfxmode=auto
load_video
insmod gfxterm
set locale_dir=$prefix/locale
set lang=pl_PL
insmod gettext
fi
terminal_output gfxterm
if [ "${recordfail}" = 1 ] ; then
set timeout=-1
else
if [ x$feature_timeout_style = xy ] ; then
set timeout_style=menu
set timeout=10
# Fallback normal timeout code in case the timeout_style feature is
# unavailable.
else
set timeout=10
fi
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
menuentry 'Ubuntu' --class ubuntu --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os $menuentry_id_option 'gnulinux-simple-a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54' {
recordfail
load_video
gfxmode $linux_gfx_mode
insmod gzio
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='hd1,msdos1'
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root --hint-bios=hd1,msdos1 --hint-efi=hd1,msdos1 --hint-baremetal=ahci1,msdos1 a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
else
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
fi
linux /boot/vmlinuz-3.13.0-32-generic root=UUID=a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54 ro quiet splash $vt_handoff
initrd /boot/initrd.img-3.13.0-32-generic
}
submenu 'Opcje zaawansowane dla systemu Ubuntu' $menuentry_id_option 'gnulinux-advanced-a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54' {
menuentry 'Ubuntu, za pomocą systemu Linux 3.13.0-32-generic' --class ubuntu --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os $menuentry_id_option 'gnulinux-3.13.0-32-generic-advanced-a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54' {
recordfail
load_video
gfxmode $linux_gfx_mode
insmod gzio
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='hd1,msdos1'
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root --hint-bios=hd1,msdos1 --hint-efi=hd1,msdos1 --hint-baremetal=ahci1,msdos1 a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
else
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
fi
echo 'Wczytywanie systemu Linux 3.13.0-32-generic...'
linux /boot/vmlinuz-3.13.0-32-generic root=UUID=a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54 ro quiet splash $vt_handoff
echo 'Wczytywanie początkowego dysku RAM...'
initrd /boot/initrd.img-3.13.0-32-generic
}
menuentry 'Ubuntu, with Linux 3.13.0-32-generic (recovery mode)' --class ubuntu --class gnu-linux --class gnu --class os $menuentry_id_option 'gnulinux-3.13.0-32-generic-recovery-a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54' {
recordfail
load_video
insmod gzio
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='hd1,msdos1'
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root --hint-bios=hd1,msdos1 --hint-efi=hd1,msdos1 --hint-baremetal=ahci1,msdos1 a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
else
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
fi
echo 'Wczytywanie systemu Linux 3.13.0-32-generic...'
linux /boot/vmlinuz-3.13.0-32-generic root=UUID=a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54 ro recovery nomodeset
echo 'Wczytywanie początkowego dysku RAM...'
initrd /boot/initrd.img-3.13.0-32-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='hd1,msdos1'
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root --hint-bios=hd1,msdos1 --hint-efi=hd1,msdos1 --hint-baremetal=ahci1,msdos1 a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
else
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
fi
knetbsd /boot/memtest86+.elf
}
menuentry 'Memory test (memtest86+, serial console 115200)' {
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root='hd1,msdos1'
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root --hint-bios=hd1,msdos1 --hint-efi=hd1,msdos1 --hint-baremetal=ahci1,msdos1 a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
else
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root a4cfc555-23dc-4da2-91bc-eb6d05873e54
fi
linux16 /boot/memtest86+.bin console=ttyS0,115200n8
}
### END /etc/grub.d/20_memtest86+ ###

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/30_os-prober ###
menuentry 'Windows Recovery Environment (loader) (na /dev/sda1)' --class windows --class os $menuentry_id_option 'osprober-chain-3E5F-3A2B' {
insmod part_msdos
insmod fat
set root='hd0,msdos1'
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root --hint-bios=hd0,msdos1 --hint-efi=hd0,msdos1 --hint-baremetal=ahci0,msdos1 3E5F-3A2B
else
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 3E5F-3A2B
fi
parttool ${root} hidden-
drivemap -s (hd0) ${root}
chainloader +1
}
menuentry 'Windows 7 (loader) (na /dev/sda2)' --class windows --class os $menuentry_id_option 'osprober-chain-30D09BEBD09BB616' {
insmod part_msdos
insmod ntfs
set root='hd0,msdos2'
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root --hint-bios=hd0,msdos2 --hint-efi=hd0,msdos2 --hint-baremetal=ahci0,msdos2 30D09BEBD09BB616
else
search --no-floppy --fs-uuid --set=root 30D09BEBD09BB616
fi
parttool ${root} hidden-
chainloader +1
}
set timeout_style=menu
if [ "${timeout}" = 0 ]; then
set timeout=10
fi
### END /etc/grub.d/30_os-prober ###

### BEGIN /etc/grub.d/30_uefi-firmware ###
### END /etc/grub.d/30_uefi-firmware ###

### 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 ${config_directory}/custom.cfg ]; then
source ${config_directory}/custom.cfg
elif [ -z "${config_directory}" -a -f $prefix/custom.cfg ]; then
source $prefix/custom.cfg;
fi
### END /etc/grub.d/41_custom ###

[RobGoss]

I my self never installed Ubuntu on a external so I'm not expert but after reading your post and I did a bit of searching maybe this will help answer your question. http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2013/10/23/how-to-install-ubuntu-13-10-on-an-external-hard-drive/

[oldfred]

Probably best to see details, you can run it from live installer. Did you install grub2 boot loader to sdb or whatever external is seen as. And are both systems BIOS ( or both UEFI) ?

Post the link to the Create BootInfo summary report. Is part of Boot-Repair:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Boot-Info

[grahammechanical]

According to grub.cfg the boot menu is looking for Ubuntu on the first partition of the second hard disk (set root='hd1,msdos2') and looking for a Windows 7 loader on the second partition of the first hard disk (set root='hdo,msdos2'). Which maybe correct but which hard disk is Grub installed to?

The installer defaults to the first hard disk (sda) or hdo as the Grub developers call it but it will look for its configuration files in the /boot folder on the hard disk and partition Ubuntu is installed in. Is the External drive connected? If things work as they should with the external drive plugged in but not as they should with the external drive unplugged, then

a) Grub needs to be installed into the hard drive Ubuntu is installed on
b) The Windows boot loader need to be restored to the drive Windows is installed on
c) Set the BIOS to load from the external drive to load Ubuntu or Windows when the external drive is connected
d) Set the BIOS to load from the internal drive to load Windows when the external drive is disconnected.

Regards.

[kurcakko]

Thank you for your answers :) Here is the link to the Bootinfo summary report: http://paste.ubuntu.com/11564907/

[oldfred]

Configuration basically looks correct.
And since grub uses UUID it should boot.

But when booting from sdb with grub installed in the MBR of sdb, that drive will be hd0. Boot drive is always hd0 from BIOS and then in grub.

I believe the partition outside of disk error is from DVD as it is larger than a CD.

If you get grub menu then you are booting, but mayneed boot parameters for some hardware. Often video driver need boot parameter if nVidia or AMD. What video card/chip do you have?

At grub menu you can use e for edit, scroll to linux line and replace quiet splash with nomodeset.
How to set NOMODESET and other kernel boot options in grub2 - both BIOS liveCD & grub first boot ( also UEFI with grub)
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1613132
Possible boot options suggested by ubfan1
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2184839&p=12871710#post12871710

Can from one time boot key often f10 or f12 or BIOS boot Windows directly from sda drive? Grub only boots a working Windows, so you may need Windows repairs?

[kurcakko]

I have got a Nvidia GeForce 310 M video chip. Windows boots correctly when I set from BIOS boot menu booting from an internal hard drive. It's strange but only booting from grub menu doesn't work. Even memtest doesn't start :/ PS. I've got UEFI option disabled in BIOS

[oldfred]

With nVidia you need nomodeset to boot Ubuntu until you install correct nVidia driver.

Not sure then what the Windows issue may be. Did you leave it hibernated? The Linux NTFS driver will not normally mount NTFS partition that is hibernated or needs chkdsk to prevent damage.

[kurcakko]

no I closed windows session normally :/ I'm gonna try nomodeset option, maybe it will work for me :)

[kurcakko]

Finally I downloaded Ubuntu 14.04.2 64 bit, burned it onto dvd, installed and voila - system boots and everything works fine. I don't know what was the issue with the Ubuntu 14.04.1, why it didn't want to start. Nevermind. Thank you all for your help :) Best regards. Marcin

[oldfred]

Glad that worked.
Sometimes the full reinstall is the easiest fix. But if using the system for a while be sure to have good backups, so reinstall can be an option.