GRUB re-install with Vista

[Marcin737]

Hi,

I have reinstalled Windows XP and Windows Vista so I'm unable to boot my Linux Kubuntu. I tried to reinstall GRUB following instructions on the forum. I booted my Kubuntu with Super GRUB Disk and then in GRUB prompt typed

root (hd1, 0)
setup (hd1)

I got the information that is was successful. Then I reboot and GRUB doesn't appear. Just normal Vista loader with two options - XP or Vista...

I have Vista installed on hd0,0, XP on hd0, 2 and Kubuntu on hd1, 0

Please help me

[Qqmike]

Re: GRUB re-install with Vista

You may have seen this:
*** The definitive dual-booting guide: Linux, Vista and XP step-by-step
http://apcmag.com/dualboot

It looks like you know basic GRUB methods – good.

You used setup (hd1), which installs GRUB to the second hard drive MBR.
We have to be careful here, as you know.
Is Vista’s bootloader running the boot show? I.e., is it booting Vista, XP, and Kubuntu?
If so, we don’t want to overwrite the MBR where Vista has its bootloader.
If not, then you should have setup (hd0).

If Vista is running the bootloader show (and not GRUB),
you might also try
root (hd1, 0)
setup (hd1, 0)
quit
# then re-boot to test it

which would ONLY setup GRUB in the root/boot partition of Kubuntu and NOT in Vista’s MBR. That might work if Vista's bootloader requires it to boot Kubuntu, if Vista is running the boot show on your PC. I do not see how doing this could hurt anything.

Please be careful –
I have NO personal experience with Vista.


How To GRUB Methods - Toolkit
http://kubuntuforums.net/forums/inde...opic=3081671.0

[Snowhog]

Re: GRUB re-install with Vista

If Vista is the main (first) OS that boots (you say it is, and offers you only two options - Vista and XP), then I think that you may want to look at EasyBCD from Neosmart Technology's. It makes setting up dual booting to multiple OS's with Vista a breeze. It's free, and very easy to use. I'm using it with my Vista - Feisty dual boot system. Google EasyBCD Neosmart. Version 1.6 is the current version.

[Qqmike]

Re: GRUB re-install with Vista

EasyBCD will be included here ( as a link) and explained somewhat:

*** The definitive dual-booting guide: Linux, Vista and XP step-by-step
http://apcmag.com/dualboot

[Marcin737]

Re: GRUB re-install with Vista

It used to be like that: firstly GRUB loader appeared with two options - Kubuntu or Vista loader. When I chose Vista loader then I had two options again - Vista or XP. I'd like to have it configured like I had before.

[Qqmike]

Re: GRUB re-install with Vista

OK.
So let’s go back to your first post, where you said:

I booted my Kubuntu with Super GRUB Disk and then in GRUB prompt typed
root (hd1, 0)
setup (hd1)
I got the information that is was successful. Then I reboot and GRUB doesn't appear. Just normal Vista loader with two options - XP or Vista...


Then to get it back to the way you had it before (as you just explained), it should be:

root (hd1, 0)
setup (hd0)


Now, I’m assuming that you put Ubuntu on the first partition of the second hard drive, as indicated by (hd1, 0), right?

The setup (hd0) will install GRUB to the MBR, and it should work as before.
At worst, you might have to edit menu.lst for your two Windows entries, but maybe not.
Try it with setup (hd0), then quit, then re-boot to test it.

[Marcin737]

Re: GRUB re-install with Vista

It's OK now. Thank you

[Qqmike]

Re: GRUB re-install with Vista

Good job, Marcin737! Glad you got it to go.

You are also helping us here because Vista is still quite new, and we are getting to see what works and what doesn't. In this case, our standard GRUB methods seem to do the trick just fine.