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    Boot Problem

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by Locke Weltall, Sep 30, 2007.

  1. Locke Weltall

    Locke Weltall Notebook Consultant

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    Alright, here is the deal...

    When I originally tried installing Ubuntu on my T40, I told it to place it on an external HD. After restart, neither my primary XP drive or the new Ubuntu drive would boot. I tried without the Ubuntu drive, XP wouldn't start. I swapped in the Ubuntu drive, leaving XP out and Ubuntu wouldn't start. Finally, I installed Ubuntu so that the desired drive was internal, without an external drive connected or otherwise targeted, and Ubuntu installed and booted like a charm.

    So now the issue is, how can I reclaim my XP drive? I like Linux, but I did not want to give up XP entirely on this machine. It has been suggested that the Grub loader may be responsible...what files does Ubuntu place on the internal HD? I can reconnect this XP drive externally and use Ubuntu to view its contents, so I should be able to delete these items.

    My apologies if this is at all confusing...I'm new to this and don't really know what is going on. In the meantime, I'll be checking the Ubuntu forums.
     
    Locke Weltall, Sep 30, 2007
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  2. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Boot from your XP disc and enter the Recovery Console. Then, select your Windows installation. A command line will open up. Type "fixmbr" and your master boot record will be rewritten, thus deleting GRUB. Good luck.
     
    Bog, Sep 30, 2007
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  3. Locke Weltall

    Locke Weltall Notebook Consultant

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    I hope you aren't referring to an XP CD...this T40 is a refurb: no XP CD.

    As for the XP HD, booting from it, I am unable to see a recovery console. GRUB tries to load, resulting in Error 21.
     
    Locke Weltall, Oct 2, 2007
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