Ubuntu
grub2 package

[Reduce Grub menu] Removing redundant lines in dual boot opt'

Asked by Magnus Magnet

I am very happy with Ubuntu and have developed from an earlier version using Upgrade manager up to 10.04 so far.

My problems is, the PC is used by other family members, some use Windows, so I used the dual boot option, but the continued upgrades have left me with a boot selection screen full of odd options, various flavours of Linux, memtest plus Windows XP
I would really like to clear out the redundant stuff leaving just a single Ubuntu, and one single Windows option, in a similar fashion to a Dual boot Windows system (Win98 - Win XP)

The extra entries always get selected in error, causing delay in achieving the desired operating system.

Simple solutions please, I really do not wish to have to re-install Windows or Ubuntu, too much customisation done already.

Thanks..

Magnus.

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Ubuntu grub2 Edit question
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Solved by:
Daniel Dräs
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Best Daniel Dräs (g-kar) said : 		#1

Hi,
ubuntu typically used grub as bootloader. Check the folder /etc/grub.d. All options shown should be here.

Here is a wiki page for GRUB configuration: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Grub2

That should help :)

If not come again with more questions.
Daniel

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delance (olivier-delance) said : 		#2

Note what is current version of your Linux kernel for not removing it!

Go in folder /boot, you will see many other kernel image, which close names. Note the name and version of these kernels. Then go to System->Administration->Packet Management (Synaptic), in search windows search packages with same version number (but not the one you are currently using) and uninstall them. They will be removed definitively from boot menu.

After you will have a menu with 4 entries:
    1) normal Linux boot with latest kernel
    2) recovery option for previous line
    3) Windows
    4) Windows recovery partition.
Next fix is temporary and will have to be done again at future kernel upgrade.
a) Applications->Accessories->Terminal
b) Type command
    cd /boot/grub
    sudo cp grub.cfg grub.backup.cfg
    sudo gedit grub.cfg
In Linux and Windows section, remove bloc of lines, which contain unwanted menu entry, and save file.
c) Then reboot

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delance (olivier-delance) said : 		#3

Please, if your problem is closed, could you mark question "Solved".

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Magnus Magnet (magnus-magnet) said : 		#4

Thanks so much for all your suggestions.

I'm steeling myself for a attempt as soon as I get time to "open the box" and have a go,

I will reply here, most certainly when I have some results to report.

Your prompt answers most appreciated, will not go ignored.

Magnus.

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Magnus Magnet (magnus-magnet) said : 		#5

Thanks Daniel Dräs, that solved my question.

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Magnus Magnet (magnus-magnet) said : 		#6

@ delance, I have taken on board your suggestions for further investigations as I become more familiar with Ubuntu (linux in general)

Despite the D I R E warnings about NOT EDITING grub.cfg, I reverted to my once stealthy DOS days and removed the relevant sections that referred to early ubuntu versions, plus the memtest86 bits.

I am delighted to say it is neat and tidy AND working now. Next job is to master synaptic and uninstall
the old stuff, for now though, I feel, with your help that I am on step ONE of the LINUX LADDER.
(at last)

I'd NEVER get service like this from the OTHER operating system support... :-))

Magnus.

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Sid Saxon (ssups) said : 		#7

Sure you can get support like this from ms, Hope I did not say that too loud. ms just charges you 80 dollars an hour for it.
:-( man that hurts!
-sid