GNU GRUB on startup, no CD

[allegroconcerto]

I got the same problem and I don't seem to be able to resolve this because my CD ROM is dysfunctional so I cannot do a wipe and reinstall. I put Ubuntu using PLOP manager when I had Windows XP... I then overwrite the Windows XP with Ubuntu.

None of the above solution would work because I cannot get pass GRUB GNU screen.

Is there anyway out of this?

[oldfred]

Moved to your own thread.

You really have to have a way to boot externally, either CD or flash drive to make repairs.

If you get a grub rescue prompt, you should be able to manually boot.

Grub Rescue Prompt Megathread - drs305
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1594052

If computer does not boot from USB, then you need to repair or replace CD drive. Sometimes it may just need cleaning? Or check connections.

How to clean CD lens:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~herman546/p27.html

[allegroconcerto]

Yes I did try the Grub Rescue thread, it does not work and I don't know why mine looks like (hd0) (hd0,msdos5) (hd0,msdos1)...

[oldfred]

They have added msdos to tell it apart from the newer gpt. My gpt drive looks like (hd0), (hd0,gpt1).

Two choices, new CD or maybe you can remove drive, and plug into another system as an external or even internal drive. Then you can make repairs.

[allegroconcerto]

Okay, I bought a replacement CD drive, what is the next step? I tried to wipe out Ubuntu altogether with my original Windows XP recovery CD, but I got Error #1826 Free space not found

[fantab]

Yes Windows does NOT work on ext4/Linux partitions. Download and burn a fresh Ubuntu.iso (burn at the lowest possible speed), if you don't already have Ubuntu LiveCD/DVD. Boot with it and opt for "Try Ubuntu", once the Desktop is ready Back Up and rescue any DATA that you want to. Then open and run GPARTED, using which you can repartition your HDD accordingly.

From the desktop icon "Install ubuntu" install your Ubuntu and at the appropriate screen choose "Something Else" option to manually set your install target partition on HDD. More Info Here. Or you can just Install ubuntu with default install method.

[allegroconcerto]

Thanks for the above reply, I will try to get a LiveCD with 12.04.2 LTS, I am guessing it does not matter even though I installed 12.10 originally?

The part I am unsure about is this: "Then open and run GPARTED, using which you can repartition your HDD accordingly", is there a step by step guide somewhere for reinstalling Windows XP?


My Windows XP CD is just a recovery disk rather than a full installation CD, I don't know if that would change the situation somewhat?


Sorry about all these questions...

[fantab]

So you want to install Windows XP as well, and dual-boot?

If that is the case, then, if you have a Windows Key for XP/Vista/7/8, you can download the version the key is for, say, Windows Vista Home Premium and use the Key you have to activate it.

If you are going to dual boot then I suggest that you Install Windows First and on the FIRST PARTITION of your HDD. CREATE & FORMAT partitions for Windows with Windows Install Disc ONLY.

After that you can install Ubuntu. But first tell us CLEARLY how you want to set up your computer, Ubuntu only or Dual boot Windows and Ubuntu or just Windows. Only then we'll be able to guide you in the right direction.

[oldfred]

Gparted is on Ubuntu live installer or you can download a a liveCD.

GParted partitioning software - Full tutorial
http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/gparted.html
Screenshots of using gparted
http://www.howtoforge.com/partitioning_with_gparted


http://partedmagic.com/
http://gparted.sourceforge.net/faq.php

Windows only installs to a NTFS formatted primary partition (sda1 thru sda4) with the boot flag.
Normally a recovery install, just erases entire drive and reinstalls system to as purchased. If you have any data you want to save, back that up first. To use that You probably just have to totally erase drive. You should also be able to do that from Window command line, if recovery will also boot into the repair console.

If you only have an XP key that is all you can install, unless you purchase the full install media.

[Slim Odds]

Yes Windows does NOT work on ext4/Linux partitions. Download and burn a fresh Ubuntu.iso (burn at the lowest possible speed), if you don't already have Ubuntu LiveCD/DVD. Boot with it and opt for "Try Ubuntu", once the Desktop is ready Back Up and rescue any DATA that you want to. Then open and run GPARTED, using which you can repartition your HDD accordingly.

From the desktop icon "Install ubuntu" install your Ubuntu and at the appropriate screen choose "Something Else" option to manually set your install target partition on HDD. More Info Here. Or you can just Install ubuntu with default install method.

Please stop perpetuating this long worn out myth. Modern CD burners will actually produce a worst result by doing this.

http://www.digitalfaq.com/guides/med...a-concepts.htm

http://club.myce.com/f33/slow-write-...o-good-247643/

It you're concerned about getting the disc burnt correctly, turn on write verification. Any decent CD writing software has that.