Linux Kubuntu 7.04

[KS1987]

I downloaded Linux Kubuntu 7.04, I burnt the image on a cd-rom and tried to install it. I got to the part of partitions and decided it was too dangerous to proceed, so I manually shut down my notebook. Since then I got an automatic chkdsk.exe every time I started Windows. I wanted to create partitions with another program, since people warned me that the Linux installation could be dangerous. They recommended me Gparted but this program was beyond my comprehension, then I tried Paragon Partition Manager, but I didn't know if I needed EXT3 or EXT2 for my Linux OS, so I went to ask help. The people there insisted that I used the partition option in the Linux installation, so I did. I saw two guided systems, but I failed to comprehend they would both use my full drive. I selected the one with the LVM-option (in Dutch, it could differ in English or other languages).

But then I got scared yet again and I aborted the installation. Now I have a serious problem, I get the screen if I want to start Windows in safety mode, ... but whatever I choose, I get a blue screen that is too fast to read and then it reboots my system. It has something to do with software/hardware changes I made to my system. Then I went back to my Linux installer and I now see my primary partition takes 255mb and it's the one that is booted and my secondary is that LVM-partition that takes the rest of the free space. So now I come here, to ask what the next thing is that I should do, because I am in great fear all my orginal data has been erased or so.

[kenny42]

Re: Linux Kubuntu 7.04

Hi KS1987.

I have the same problem when I get a blue screen that is too fast to read and then it reboots my system, but I get it when I choose Windows boot from the different OS menu.

So I hope someone can help both of us especially as I cannot get into Windows and I need to use Windows based programs ASAP like Dreamweaver.

[ppberns]

Re: Linux Kubuntu 7.04

Hi,

Just guessing here but it sounds like your MBR was changed. Try doing "fdisk /mbr" from a command line. That should put your master boot record back in shape.
Good luck.

[lmilano]

Re: Linux Kubuntu 7.04

Also, you both can try examining the contents of the hard drive from the kubunt live cd

For anyone reading this thread: always backup your data before attempting complex installatins, such as dual boot

Cheers

[keantoken]

Re: Linux Kubuntu 7.04

Also, if anything has happened to go terribly wrong, you might want to try the system rescue CD here. It will probably tell you if the MBR is borked.

[kenny42]

Re: Linux Kubuntu 7.04

Hi,

Just guessing here but it sounds like your MBR was changed. Try doing "fdisk /mbr" from a command line. That should put your master boot record back in shape.
Good luck.

Hi,
As I cannot get into Windows do you mean Kubuntu command line?

And thanks for the good luck


PS Does anyone knows what the blue screen is telling you?

[ppberns]

Re: Linux Kubuntu 7.04

Hi,

Funny you should ask. I have never tried it from a linux command line. I believe though that you cannot run it from under linux command line. I usually have an old dos diskette around and boot that.
I guess you can boot the windows cd and then abort the install and it would drop you to a command line (not really sure about that since I never used windows....

[Cyrus Jones]

Re: Linux Kubuntu 7.04

You can try the command fixboot and then fixmbr in Windows Recovery Mode (boot into Windows CD and go into recovery mode)

See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058
Below quotes taken from above page

To start recovery mode:

To start the Windows Recovery Console, use one of the following methods:
• Use the Windows Setup floppy disks or the Windows CD-ROM to start your computer. At the "Welcome to Setup" screen, press F10 or press 'R" to repair.

After you start the Windows Recovery Console, you receive the following message:
Microsoft Windows(R) Recovery Console

The Recovery Console provides system repair and recovery functionality.
Type EXIT to quit the Recovery Console and restart the computer.

1: C:\WINDOWS

Which Windows Installation would you like to log on to
(To cancel, press ENTER)?
After you enter the number for the appropriate Windows installation, Windows will then prompt you to enter the Administrator account password.

FIXBOOT
fixboot drive name:
Use this command to write the new Windows boot sector code on the system partition. In the command syntax, drive name is the drive letter where the boot sector will be written. This command fixes damage in the Windows boot sector. This command overrides the default setting, which writes to the system boot partition. The fixboot command is supported only on x86-based computers.

FIXMBR
fixmbr device name
Use this command to repair the MBR of the boot partition. In the command syntax, device name is an optional device name that specifies the device that requires a new MBR. Use this command if a virus has damaged the MBR and Windows cannot start.

Warning This command can damage your partition tables if a virus is present or if a hardware problem exists. If you use this command, you may create inaccessible partitions. We recommend that you run antivirus software before you use this command.

You can obtain the device name from the output of the map command. If you do not specify a device name, the MBR of the boot device is repaired, for example:
fixmbr \device\harddisk2
If the fixmbr command detects an invalid or non-standard partition table signature, fixmbr command prompts you for permission before rewriting the MBR. The fixmbr command is supported only on x86-based computers.

[Cyrus Jones]

Re: Linux Kubuntu 7.04

In Linux terminal, you would do sudo fdisk /mbr to (I think restore GRUB). In Windows Recovery Console, you would do fixmbr.