Ubuntu
grub package

How can I Rectify the Grub start-up error message.

Asked by Mark

Hi all.
When I Start my HP-Dx2000 P.C. I get An error message which I think is related somehow to the grub parameters. The message reads: Turn off pnpbios=off. Along with a couple of other messages, which flash past to quickly to read properly.
Is there a way to delay the timing of the error messages. So I have time to Read them, and how can I correct this problem with the pnpbios=off situation?

Thank's

Mark Hogan...

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Ubuntu grub Edit question
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Harvey Muller
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Revision history for this message
Harvey Muller (hlmuller) said : 		#1

Mark,

The messages you refer to are those that are generated by the kernel during startup. You can review those at any time afterward by opening a terminal and entering the following:

    dmesg | less

Hope this solves your need,

Harvey

Revision history for this message
Bhavani Shankar (bhavi) said : 		#2

Hello again Mark:

Turn off pnpbios in the kernel parameters during bootup..

To do that:
catch grub by pressing 'esc' at the preboot stage and edit the kernel line with 'e' just write 'pnpbios=off' at the end.

Hope it helps

Regards

Bhavani Shankar.

Revision history for this message
Harvey Muller (hlmuller) said : 		#3

Mark,

Just checking to see if your question was resolved, or if you require further information.

Regards,

Harvey

Revision history for this message
Mark (mark-j-hogan) said : 		#4

Hello
 Harvey and Bhavani.

Thank-you both for your prompt replies!

Unfortunately I am still having the same problems as stated earlier. Even after trying both your suggestions.
Regarding your given options 'Harvey' I used the commands given, but I don't know what to do with the output. Could you (If you don't mind) Elaborate on your stated commands, and maybe tell me a little how to understand the output?
Also Bhavani. 'Hello again'. I entered the kernal and wrote in pnpbios=off at the end of the sentence. Booted up and then shut-down. but still see the same error messages. Is there a certain way to save the the edited kernal? also could you maybe show me the correct way, and where to write pnpbios=off.

I managed to get a good look at the Error message at Boot-up and it reads:;

pnpbios fault attempt recovery.
pnpbios Warning your pnpbios caused a fatal error.
pnpbios pnpbios=off.
pnpbios Check with your vendor for an updated bios.
pnpbios get_dev_node Unexpected Status 0x37.

I must admit I do not yet feel comfortable Flashing my bios. So i hope to find an alternative solution. If possible.

Cheers for now.

Mark Hogan...

Revision history for this message
Best Harvey Muller (hlmuller) said : 		#5

Mark,

I should have been more clear. The intent of the running "dmesg | less" is purely so that you can find the messages of interest, and review them in detail. It looks like you hve done so.

Based on the messages you supplied, I personally recommend that if your manufacturer has an updated BIOS available, that you update it. Afterwards you would want to run "dmesg | less" again, and review the messages for the pnpbios error again. To select just the messages of interest, you could run:

    $ dmesg | grep pnpbios

If you are not comfortable flashing your BIOS for any reason, simply run the following to edit /boot/grub/menu.lst:

    $ gksudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst

Then add "pnpbios=off" to the end of the # defoptions line:

    # defoptions=ro quiet splash pnpbios=off

Your defoptions line may differ a little, just add the recommended text to the end of the line, save the file, then close the editor.

Afterwards, in a terminal, run:

    $ sudo update-grub

This will update grub to use the new option. Afterwards, reboot, and then run the dmesg line again to review for pnpbios messages.

Please let me know if this resolves your issue, or if you require further information.

Regards,

Harvey

Revision history for this message
Mark (mark-j-hogan) said : 		#6

Thanks Harvey Muller, that solved my question.

Revision history for this message
Mark (mark-j-hogan) said : 		#7

Thank-You Harvey Muller.

For the clear concise instructions.

I followed them to the letter, and they solved my problem completely...
No more GRUB error messages.

Keep up the good work.

Mark Hogan.