Cannot Boot ubuntu

ALERT! /dev/disk/by-uuid/41cbdfd7- ) does not exist

It certainly doesn't, at least in that form of uuid.

Did you install using a LiveUSB? I've had similar problems myself when trying to install to a netbook via USB, for some reason it picks up the wrong uuid. The extra 'disk' seems to confuse things, though it shouldn't.

You can fix this easily by changing what is in the /etc/fstab file to reflect what is actually in your system. To start with, please give us the information from the following terminal commands. You'll have to boot off the CD or USB again to do this:

sudo fdisk -l

sudo blkid

The next thing you need to do is mount the correct drive (so you can change the /etc/fstab on it) while you have the LiveCD booted. This depends on which is the actual boot device so post the above information first.

Chris

By the way, I've never had this problem when installing 10.04 LTS Lucid to the same netbook. The problem only seems to occur with 10.10 and 11.04. The LTS release is what I recommend to Linux newcomers, so you might want to try that and see if it works out of the box for you, especially if you're not comfortable with the command line at this stage. LTS means "long term support": Lucid is supported until April 2013 and is very stable and reliable ;-)

Chris.

@chris

after i run sudo fdisk -l in terminal :
Disk /dev/sda: 500.1 GB, 500107862016 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 60801 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0x94bb5855

   Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/sda1 * 1 7012 56323858+ 7 HPFS/NTFS
/dev/sda2 7013 60800 432051905 f W95 Ext'd (LBA)
/dev/sda5 13540 39647 209712478+ 7 HPFS/NTFS
/dev/sda6 39648 60800 169911441 7 HPFS/NTFS
/dev/sda7 7013 7620 4882432 83 Linux
/dev/sda8 7620 12483 39061504 83 Linux
/dev/sda9 12484 12970 3905536 82 Linux swap / Solaris
/dev/sda10 12970 13456 3905536 83 Linux

Partition table entries are not in disk order

sudo blkid

/dev/sda1: LABEL="Windows" UUID="B24C66094C65C8A5" TYPE="ntfs"
/dev/sda5: LABEL="Storage" UUID="A49C0CB59C0C8450" TYPE="ntfs"
/dev/sda6: LABEL="Backup" UUID="B20812F70812BA75" TYPE="ntfs"
/dev/sda7: UUID="dee4ebd4-2cb9-4287-b8fb-ce76e12308a7" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/sda8: UUID="9d5194cb-26b2-44be-8a07-5326c6ef8efc" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/sda9: UUID="51a0a397-aea0-4a08-9dee-c94876005c7e" TYPE="swap"
/dev/sda10: UUID="93db41f7-ba3f-48ec-95a3-a966e1a1d210" TYPE="ext4"

Thanks for that. The setup seems a little strange. /dev/sda7 is a 5GB partition. Did you set this up and is it your boot partition? It seems a little small. /dev/sda8 is 40GB, did you set this up as /home?

You'll note that there is no uuid starting with "41cbdfd7" as quoted in your original message: assuming that you typed it accurately, it's waiting for a disk that does not exist.

I just need to get a look at your fstab file to see what is in there that is not working. Please do the following and post the output:

#We need to mount the possible boot device, /dev/sda7
sudo mount /dev/sda7 /mnt
#list the output of /etc/fstab
cat /mnt/etc/fstab

if by chance this is the incorrect partition you will not be able to find /mnt/etc/fstab and will get an error message. If this the case, unmount the partition and try again with /dev/sda8:

#unmount the partition:
sudo umount /dev/sda7
#mount sda8 in the same place:
sudo mount /dev/sda8 /mnt

And continue with the instructions above.

Chris.

Here is what i did during setip:

/boot 5000MB
/ 40000MB
swap 4000MB
/home 4000MB

mihir@Altair:~$ sudo mount /dev/sda7 /mnt
[sudo] password for mihir:
mount: /dev/sda7 already mounted or /mnt busy
mount: according to mtab, /dev/sda7 is already mounted on /mnt
mihir@Altair:~$

mihir@Altair:~$ cat /mnt/etc/fstab
cat: /mnt/etc/fstab: No such file or directory
mihir@Altair:~$

mihir@Altair:~$
mihir@Altair:~$ sudo mount /dev/sda8/mnt
mount: can't find /dev/sda8/mnt in /etc/fstab or /etc/mtab
mihir@Altair:~$ sudo umount /dev/sda7
mihir@Altair:~$ sudo mount /dev/sda8 /mnt
mihir@Altair:~$ cat /mnt/etc/fstab
# /etc/fstab: static file system information.
#
# Use 'blkid -o value -s UUID' to print the universally unique identifier
# for a device; this may be used with UUID= as a more robust way to name
# devices that works even if disks are added and removed. See fstab(5).
#
# <file system> <mount point> <type> <options> <dump> <pass>
proc /proc proc nodev,noexec,nosuid 0 0
/dev/sda8 / ext4 errors=remount-ro 0 1
# /boot was on /dev/sda7 during installation
UUID=dee4ebd4-2cb9-4287-b8fb-ce76e12308a7 /boot ext4 defaults 0 2
# /home was on /dev/sda10 during installation
UUID=93db41f7-ba3f-48ec-95a3-a966e1a1d210 /home ext4 defaults 0 2
# swap was on /dev/sda9 during installation
UUID=51a0a397-aea0-4a08-9dee-c94876005c7e none swap sw 0 0
mihir@Altair:~$

Hi Mihir, it seems possible that /dev/sda8 is not mounting according to the fstab file for some reason. We can try mounting it according to the uuid and see if that works. Do the following in terminal:

#unmout /dev/sda7 from /mnt
sudo umount /mnt
#mount /dev/sda8 to /mnt once again
sudo mount /dev/sda8 /mnt

#make a backup copy of the current fstab file
sudo cp /mnt/fstab /mnt/fstab.bkup
#edit the fstab file
sudo nano /mnt/etc/fstab

Now change the line that reads "/dev/sda8 / ext4 errors=remount-ro 0 1" to the following:
uuid=9d5194cb-26b2-44be-8a07-5326c6ef8efc / ext4 errors=remount-ro 0 1

now press <ctrl>o to save the file and <ctrl>x to exit the editor. Do the following to verify that the fstab has been changed:

#output the fstab file so it can be checked:
cat /mnt/etc/fstab

You should see the fstab file again, with the change that you made.

Now reboot the computer and see if you can start Ubuntu from the hard drive.

Good Luck!

BTW, you don't really need /boot to be 40GB in size. The most you are likely to need for that directory is about 100Mb. It's best left as part of the / (root) partition unless you've got a very good reason to do otherwise.

I suggest a more reasonable layout for the partitions would be as follows:

For / give it 15 GB (15000Mb) This is more than enough space to put the operating system and any programs that you install, and for the system to maintain it's updates.

For /home give it 30+GB. This is where all your data and settings will go. You should really give this as much space as you can afford to.

For swap you can give it the same size as your RAM, though it's more important if you don't have much RAM in the system.

Chris

Ooops, I made a mistake in the lines that were supposed to make a backup of the current fstab file. Where it say:

#make a backup copy of the current fstab file
sudo cp /mnt/fstab /mnt/fstab.bkup

Change the command to :

sudo cp /mnt/etc/fstab /mnt/etc/fstab.bkup

Sorry 'bout that...

Chris

@Chris.... Sorry but i can no longer boot into ubuntu even with my cd in the tray.

I can format the partition as i haven't got any data. Any Suggestions?
Any specific way to go about?

Here is the method i follow to install.
1.Insert the ubuntu 10.10 disck in the tray
2.in the language select English.
3.Install ubuntu( in the various options available)
4. alongside my current partition ( the third option in the menu)
5.delete current linux partition
6.create new partion with /boot 5000MB
                                    / 40000MB
                                      swap 4000MB
                                    /home 4000MB
The rest values as default.
The usual Admin name and password.
Thats It.

But i Still get an error after the os menu.

Please advice.

P.S. If i run windows for more than 3 hrs.... sometimes ubuntu boots with some error -16...

Here is a sceen shot ( i took it from my camera)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/65316605@N03/5946012535/in/photostream

@Chris: Why do you think issue is in /etc/fstab and not in Grub2 configuration ? In this last case, the solution should be to reinstall GruB2 ( https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Grub2#Copy%20LiveCD%20Files )

Sorry Mihir, I failed your last message. Issue is in Grub2 configuration. Use link https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Grub2#Copy%20LiveCD%20Files with following commands:
   sudo mount /dev/sda8 /mnt
   sudo mount /dev/sda7 /mnt/boot
   sudo mount /dev/sda10 /mnt/home
   sudo grub-install --boot-directory=/mnt/boot /dev/sda

@delance
i tried thru live cd. (insert the boot cd and selected the option try without installing) .
 but i gott an error message : "unable to find live file system...

@ delance: A problem that is purely grub2 will normally result in a boot attempt that falls back to busybox. Since the failure is waiting for a partition to come on line it seems to be more of a mount problem after grub2. I hadn't ruled it out however...

Chris

Hi Mihir, if you can no longer boot off the LiveCD, it seems that you might have a problem with the iso or the CD burn. If you're happy to start from scratch can I suggest that you try the 10.04 LTS release? It does not have Unity but it is a very stable and reliable release. The LTS is supported until April 2013.

I suggest you proceed as follows. If you want to try again with 11.04 disregard step 1:

1) Download the 32bit desktop release of 10.04 LTS

2) Check the MD5SUM of the downloaded iso using these instructions:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToMD5SUM
This will ensure that you are working with a good copy of the iso and not one that has been corrupted in someway during the transfer.

3) Burn the iso to a new blank disk at the slowest possible burn speed. This has the best chance of making a reliable CD. This selection is normally made in the burn software immediately before starting the burn process. I have no faith in CDs burnt at higher speeds.

4) Boot off the new CD and when it asks where you want to install Unbuntu, select manual

5) On the page where it lets you manage partitions delete both of the ext4 partitions and the swap partition.

6) Now create the / (root) partition of 15GB (15000MB) in size. Set it as type ext4, to mount as / and to be formatted

7) Now create the swap partition of size equal or larger than you machine RAM size. set it as type swap

8) Make a partition that uses up the rest of the drive (30+GB) and set it as type ext4, to mount as /home, and to be formatted.

9) down the bottom you'll see a selection for where to install grub2. Make sure this is set to /dev/sda which is probably the default anyway.

10) Proceed with the installation

11) Enjoy (hopefully) your new Ubuntu system ;-)

The reason the machine rebooted out of Windows and into the Ubuntu boot is probably because it rebooted due to an update or similar: when it got to grub it would have booted into Ubuntu by default after a short wait.

Chris

Mihir, I just remember that you were using 10.10, not 11.04. My recommendation is still for 10.04 but try 10.10 again if you wish. You still need to check the MD5SUM of your iso though, to be sure that it is good.

Chris

Thanks my md5sum of 10.10 did not match. But for 11.04 it did match. so will try it

Thanks @ Chris.
Thanks @ Delance.

I still getan error message : "unable to find live file system...

I checked the MD5SUM it matches perfectly for ubuntu 11.04( which is what i am now trying to install)

Any suggestions ?

Can changes in my BIOS affect the installation ?
 If so I can post the pics of my BIOS.

"unable to find live file system" is a poisonous issue. There is a bug https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/543875 with 13 persons. It may have many causes. Try using a USB stick instead of a CD. Sometimes it works. Can't do more...

it installed fine thru a usb but still ... the original problem continues. i still cannot boot in. busy box error...

My recommendation is still for 10.04 LTS release. Can you try it? check the MD5sum as before and see if the install works better for you.

Chris

Just tried 10.04 lts. did not work. here is the error.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65316605@N03/5961647042/in/photostream
Even reset my bios.

Did you remove boot media after installation ?

this was after i choose install ubuntu...it did not go to the instalation

this was after i choose install ubuntu...it did not go to the installation

Hello, could you check the Summary at top of thread and confirm it.
Could you:
    download 11.04.3 ISO (was just released)
    MD5 it (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToMD5SUM )
    make a USB installation stick
    try to boot on LiveCD ( choose "Try")
and report result (using a camera is a very good idea).

@delance : As you suggested i booted using a usb the version 11.04 just downloaded from site. . (MD5 matched perfectly)
 Please note the output :

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo fdisk -l

Disk /dev/sda: 500.1 GB, 500107862016 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 60801 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0x94bb5855

   Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/sda1 * 1 7012 56323858+ 7 HPFS/NTFS
/dev/sda2 7013 60800 432051905 f W95 Ext'd (LBA)
/dev/sda5 13540 39647 209712478+ 7 HPFS/NTFS
/dev/sda6 39648 60800 169911441 7 HPFS/NTFS
/dev/sda7 7013 7620 4882432 83 Linux
/dev/sda8 12484 12970 3905536 82 Linux swap / Solaris
/dev/sda9 12970 13456 3905536 83 Linux
/dev/sda10 7620 12223 36966400 83 Linux
/dev/sda11 12223 12483 2094080 82 Linux swap / Solaris

Partition table entries are not in disk order

Disk /dev/sdb: 8103 MB, 8103395328 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 985 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0x00000000

   Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/sdb1 * 1 986 7913430 c W95 FAT32 (LBA)
Partition 1 has different physical/logical endings:
     phys=(1023, 254, 63) logical=(985, 45, 63)
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$

ubuntu@ubuntu:~$ sudo blkid
/dev/loop0: TYPE="squashfs"
/dev/sda1: LABEL="Windows" UUID="B24C66094C65C8A5" TYPE="ntfs"
/dev/sda5: LABEL="Storage" UUID="A49C0CB59C0C8450" TYPE="ntfs"
/dev/sda6: LABEL="Backup" UUID="B20812F70812BA75" TYPE="ntfs"
/dev/sda7: UUID="dee4ebd4-2cb9-4287-b8fb-ce76e12308a7" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/sda8: UUID="51a0a397-aea0-4a08-9dee-c94876005c7e" TYPE="swap"
/dev/sda9: UUID="93db41f7-ba3f-48ec-95a3-a966e1a1d210" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/sda10: UUID="9cf19d42-8a87-435c-b027-ac3390e35854" TYPE="ext4"
/dev/sda11: UUID="2b3b1047-8a8e-49a5-9385-8f51a392e1be" TYPE="swap"
/dev/sdb1: LABEL="PENDRIVE" UUID="1CFD-3E64" TYPE="vfat"
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$

http://www.flickr.com/photos/65316605@N03/5966012863/in/photostream

Could you try to install from this USB key, with manual partitioning and report results.

no still not able to boot.

Here are some pics of my steps during installation.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65316605@N03/5966971137/in/photostream

The partition table looks OK. What error did you get at boot ?

the one saying unable to find live file system

the one saying unable to find live file system.

is the device for boot loader intallation ok

"the one saying unable to find live file system." ??? Did you remove installation media before reboot ?

yes i removed

We will use big tools...
---------------------------------------------------------
Provide data about boot configuration

There is a standard script provided to analyse boot configuration. Could you download script at:
   http://sourceforge.net/projects/bootinfoscript/
Then in a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) run command:
    sudo bash [path/to/the/download_folder]/boot_info_script.sh
This will produce a file named: RESULTS.txt. Paste content of this file in http://paste.ubuntu.com/ and provide in this thread the link to Web page. Please don't post file directly in thread, else it will make thread difficult to read.

how can i start terminal.... should i use live usb?

Yes.

http://paste.ubuntu.com/650973/

Hey any help. ?

http://paste.ubuntu.com/650973/ looks OK, I see nothing.
Could you take a picture (with a camera) of screen when you boot from internal disk. Before unplug any external storage device from USB. Post the picture, e.g. to imageshack.us or another Web site.
I will leave question open, so someone else could have a look on it.

Actually i have posted the screen. You can just browse my pics .

Your's Truly
Mihir Golwalkar

Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody is ready to die for it !!!
On Jul 26, 2011 12:31 AM, "delance" <email address hidden>
wrote:
> Your question #165078 on grub2 in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/grub2/+question/165078
>
> delance posted a new comment:
> http://paste.ubuntu.com/650973/ looks OK, I see nothing.
> Could you take a picture (with a camera) of screen when you boot from
internal disk. Before unplug any external storage device from USB. Post the
picture, e.g. to imageshack.us or another Web site.
> I will leave question open, so someone else could have a look on it.
>
> --
> You received this question notification because you asked the question.

New development. Now i get a blank screen after boot.
@ delance : i reinstalled 11.04 but this time gave4gb to \boot. Intalled
grub in boot but did not work. Any specific teason?
Your's Truly
Mihir Golwalkar
9764719884
Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody is ready to die for it !!!
On Jul 26, 2011 12:31 AM, "delance" <email address hidden>
wrote:

Its the error msg saying busy box...

Your's Truly
Mihir Golwalkar
9764719884
Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody is ready to die for it !!!
On Jul 26, 2011 12:31 AM, "delance" <email address hidden>
wrote:
> Your question #165078 on grub2 in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/grub2/+question/165078
>
> delance posted a new comment:
> http://paste.ubuntu.com/650973/ looks OK, I see nothing.
> Could you take a picture (with a camera) of screen when you boot from
internal disk. Before unplug any external storage device from USB. Post the
picture, e.g. to imageshack.us or another Web site.
> I will leave question open, so someone else could have a look on it.
>
> --
> You received this question notification because you asked the question.

Launchpad interface doesn't manage attached file.
Could you post image at imageshack.us and post returned link.

here is the error

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/3817/img016qu.jpg

do i need to change my motherboard ? Right now it is d102 intel core two
duo.

Your's Truly
Mihir Golwalkar
9764719884
Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody is ready to die for it !!!
On Jul 27, 2011 12:16 AM, "delance" <email address hidden>
wrote:

For me it's not sensible as you get from hard disk boot a message which should come only from USB stick/CD boot.
Moreover I will be busy the following days.
You can request more help on http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=333
Post a link to this question, as people of this forum will have all technical data.