Ubuntu
ubiquity package

desktop is completely unusable need to reinstall but get no abilities at startup

Asked by Jimmy Rizos

My ubuntu 8.04 desktop has been completely wiped clean during an install and now i get a blank screen and a cursor that does nothing after reboot. I need to install some ubuntu version so I can get some ability to reinstall. Anyone know how to get to a state where I can actually do something? Perhaps install from a flash. I need some advice and directions.

thanks

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Ubuntu ubiquity Edit question
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Jimmy Rizos
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Nick Callaghan (niknak) said : 		#1

It sounds like your boot options are set so that you are always booting into your corrupted install.

As your computer boots up you should see a screen (usually displaying the manufacturers logo), look for something like "Boot menu Press F12" or "Setup menu press F12".

You need to set to change the setting so that the machine tries to boot from the cd or flash drive (whichever you are using to install) before the hard disk.

save and exit

now when you reboot your machine with an ubuntu installation cd of flash drive you should boot into the installer rather than your corrupt ubuntu install.

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Jimmy Rizos (jimmy-rizosfamily) said : 		#2

did this when the reboot happens I get

'No DEFAUT or UI configuration directive found!'
boot:

Not sure what to do here. Any idea?

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Nick Callaghan (niknak) said : 		#3

My guess would be then there is some problem with the ubuntu Image which you are using to try and install with. It may have become corrupted either when you downloaded it or burnt it to disk?

What steps did you take create it? Are you using a cd or flash drive?

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Jimmy Rizos (jimmy-rizosfamily) said : 		#4

There must have been some problem with the install from flash because I tried again this time building an install CD and that is working like a charm (so far - fingers crossed)

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Nick Callaghan (niknak) said : 		#5

Glad to hear you seem to be making progress.

I have had a couple of issues in the past with the default tool for making bootable usb drive. If thats not working for you you could alternatively look at a [program called unetbootin. It's availoable on sourceforge.

Thanks,

Nick