can't boot from disc on dual boot system

[mystmaiden]

I'm running Windows 8 (rarely used) and Ubuntu 12.04 on my desktop. I need to boot from the Ubuntu cd to fix a partition issue but I can't seem to get that done. I go into bios, choose the dvd drive as first in boot order and it simply won't do anything. It either restarts in Ubuntu or Windows.

I could use some help - I'm particularly concerned because at this point if I had some kind of crash that needed a repair, I'd be out of luck.

thanks,
mystmaiden

[sudodus]

Please specify your computer

- Brand name and model
- CPU
- RAM (size)
- graphics chip/card
- wifi chip/card

and also tell us if it is running in BIOS mode or UEFI mode.

If the computer is running in UEFI mode, you need an amd64 version of Ubuntu. If the computer has a 32-bit processor, you need an i386 version of Ubuntu.

There might be problems with the CD/DVD drive, and in that case it is a good option to make a USB boot drive from your Ubuntu iso file or from the DVD disk.

See this link Installation/FromUSBStick

[yancek]

You might check the connections on both ends for the DVD drive. Simple solution although not likely to be the problem.

[kolumcaj-silvi]

An alternate solution can be to try booting it from a bootable USB device created with a fresh .iso file and Unetbootin

[mystmaiden]

Thanks all for the replies. Below is the system info

UEFI mode
HP (can't seem to find the model number)
AMD A4-5000 APU with Radeon(TM) HD Graphics × 4
Graphics - Gallium 0.4 on AMD KABINI
AR9485 Wireless Network Adapter

It's here where I run into some confusion. When I set this up I was running 12.04 LTS, now 'Details' is showing 64 bit 14.04 LTS though I did not realize I had upgraded at any point. In the updater would checking 'Ubuntu base' have done that? Also, lshw is currently showing only one active core, would that change if I were running more processes?

I was able to play a dvd movie just now, so I think the dvd player is fine.

Thanks again,


'

[sudodus]

In UEFI mode, you need an amd64 version of Ubuntu. It should be OK to use 14.04.1 LTS

ubuntu-14.04.1-desktop-amd64.iso

And either burn it to a DVD disk (I recommend the tool k3b and the slowing possible burning speed), or make a USB boot drive

Installation/FromUSBStick

[mystmaiden]

I can't install k3b. It gives me an untrusted packages message, clicking okay or repair doesn't work. It just closes the untrusted message. Correction - I got it to install via synaptic instead of the software center

[sudodus]

OK, then you can try to use whatever tool you have, for example Brasero (but I prefer k3b). 'Burn an iso image'! (Do not create a data DVD with a copy of the iso file!)

After burning you should see several files and directories, when you insert the disk into the DVD drive.

[mystmaiden]

I burned a new dvd. making sure to choose the 64 bit one and voila' its working now. I really appreciate the help and replies.