Ubuntu 10.4 installed with wubi on Vista machine, Updated and won't boot now.

http://www.omaregan.com/?p=583

Have a read of this http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=10183394&postcount=87

Then ask any questions you have and I'll be happy to help.

I'm afraid I'm in way over my head. I have now managed to screw up so that Vista no longer boots up either. Another web page suggested downloading a different WBILDR file and placing it in C: and now neither operating system boots. I can start Ubuntu with a Live CD and run it from there. I have tried entering the codes in the terminal from the post you listed, but get errors in the mkdir command that something already exists. I just need to get my Windows Vista back and I'll do a fresh install of Ubuntu. Any ideas? Thanks

Boot the live CD and run the bootinfoscript (http://bootinfoscript.sourceforge.net/) and post the results to http://pastebin.ubuntu.com, and then copy the pastebin reference back here. I'll take a look.

Try to describe in detail what happens when you try to boot windows. Also, don't enter instructions you don't understand or if you're not sure, rather ask here first.

The pastebin reference is 539585.

As far as what happens when trying to boot windows - that's easy, nothing. I don't even get the option of booting Vista or Ubuntu. It goes directly to a grub> cursor. The heading says something likt Grub GNU version 1.98 or something like that.

Thanks for you patience, I was unable to get back at this until now.

Vic

You've pasted the bootinfoscript, we need the result. It will usually be in the Downloads folder (or wherever you saved the script) and it's called RESULT.txt

I cannot find this RESULT.txt file in downloads or anywhere. Does it have something to do with me running Ubuntu off the CD? Do I have to somehow run this script in a terminal? If so what command line would I use. Again I apologize, but I warned you I am a newbie.

Thanks, Vic

That page where you downloaded it from describes what to do... you have to download the script again and run it (on a live CD nothing is saved).
So download, save in default place, go to a terminal (ctrl+alt+t)
cd Downloads
sudo bash boot_info_script*.sh

When it's done:
gedit RESULTS.txt
and copy and paste to pastebin.

PS if you save the script to your Desktop, just replace Downloads with Desktop

OK I think I've finally got the text file pasted. The Pastebin ref # is 539772
Thanks, Vic

OK so you installed grub to the drive master boot record. This doesn't help with Wubi, you need the Windows bootloader. Generally, make sure you get Wubi-specific advice - reinstalling grub is great advice for a normal Ubuntu install, but never good with Wubi.

You can install the bootloader by booting a Windows recovery cd/dvd and going to a repair command prompt. Then for Vista/7 enter:
bootrec.exe /fixmbr

If you cannot do it this way, you can also do it from the Ubuntu live CD using lilo (it works the same, I've done it a lot). From a command prompt (CTRL-ALT-t) install lilo:
sudo apt-get install lilo

Hit Enter on the huge warning screen - ignore these as they are about using lilo to boot linux, not windows.
Then install lilo to the drive MBR (this is case-sensitive)
sudo lilo -M /dev/sda mbr

Done - now you can boot Windows.

Regarding the fix for Ubuntu, this is slightly more complex:
From a live CD, loop mount the root.disk and edit the grub.cfg file:
sudo mkdir /media/win
sudo mount /dev/sda3 /media/win
sudo mount -o loop /media/win/ubuntu/disks/root.disk /mnt
sudo cp /mnt/boot/grub/grub.cfg /mnt/boot/grub/grub.cfg.backup
sudo chmod +w /mnt/boot/grub/grub.cfg
gksu gedit /mnt/boot/grub/grub.cfg

Now delete all lines from the start of the file up to BUT NOT INCLUDING the first line that starts "menuentry".
It will look like this: http://pastebin.ubuntu.com/539839/

Then save, and unmount, and reboot:
sudo umount /mnt
sudo umount /dev/sda3

When you have rebooted into Ubuntu successfully, do the following:
Backup the grub folder:
sudo cp -r /boot/grub /boot/grubbackup

Then delete all the stuff in /boot/grub that isn't supposed to be there (everything added after fresh wubi install)
cd /boot/grub
sudo rm *.mod
sudo rm *.img
sudo rm *.lst
sudo rm *.o
sudo rm *.pf2
sudo rm -rf locale

Regenerate grub:
sudo update-grub

After this, consider not upgrading packages grub-pc and grub-common unless you are sure they have been fixed.

Again, if anything is unclear, please ask first before trying something different/new. If you get an error, then stop and ask first (it's possible there's a typo although I've checked a couple of times).

Your instructions worked to a tee and I can't thank you enough. Your patience with my impatience is much appreciated. I have reposted, because I must have corrupted something in the Vista boot process, because it still won't work. I get the screen to chose between Vista and Ubuntu, but Windows won't boot and goes to a the Repair screen, but can't repair itself. I realize this is now a Windows issue, but was wondering because the only thing I did that could have caused this was to replace the WBILDR file on my C: drive with one downloaded from a Ubuntu bloggers page. I now at least have access to go and download and Windows rescue disk, so that's my next plan unless your considerable knowledge tells me different.

Thanks, Vic

Delete the extra /boot directory - the one with /boot/grub/core.img
You must do this from ubuntu as wimdows isn't case sensitive

On 12/4/10, Vic Reddekop <email address hidden> wrote:
> Question #136273 on Wubi changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/wubi/+question/136273
>
> Vic Reddekop posted a new comment:
> Your instructions worked to a tee and I can't thank you enough. Your
> patience with my impatience is much appreciated. I have reposted,
> because I must have corrupted something in the Vista boot process,
> because it still won't work. I get the screen to chose between Vista
> and Ubuntu, but Windows won't boot and goes to a the Repair screen, but
> can't repair itself. I realize this is now a Windows issue, but was
> wondering because the only thing I did that could have caused this was
> to replace the WBILDR file on my C: drive with one downloaded from a
> Ubuntu bloggers page. I now at least have access to go and download and
> Windows rescue disk, so that's my next plan unless your considerable
> knowledge tells me different.
>
> Thanks, Vic
>
> --
> You received this question notification because you are an answer
> contact for Wubi.
>

Sorry, but I need a few more directions on how to find this directory to
delete it. I assume this is done within a terminal?

Vic

On Sun, 2010-12-05 at 03:24 +0000, bcbc wrote:

> Your question #136273 on Wubi changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/wubi/+question/136273
>
> bcbc proposed the following answer:
> Delete the extra /boot directory - the one with /boot/grub/core.img
> You must do this from ubuntu as wimdows isn't case sensitive
>
> On 12/4/10, Vic Reddekop <email address hidden> wrote:
> > Question #136273 on Wubi changed:
> > https://answers.launchpad.net/wubi/+question/136273
> >
> > Vic Reddekop posted a new comment:
> > Your instructions worked to a tee and I can't thank you enough. Your
> > patience with my impatience is much appreciated. I have reposted,
> > because I must have corrupted something in the Vista boot process,
> > because it still won't work. I get the screen to chose between Vista
> > and Ubuntu, but Windows won't boot and goes to a the Repair screen, but
> > can't repair itself. I realize this is now a Windows issue, but was
> > wondering because the only thing I did that could have caused this was
> > to replace the WBILDR file on my C: drive with one downloaded from a
> > Ubuntu bloggers page. I now at least have access to go and download and
> > Windows rescue disk, so that's my next plan unless your considerable
> > knowledge tells me different.
> >
> > Thanks, Vic
> >
> > --
> > You received this question notification because you are an answer
> > contact for Wubi.
> >
>

Quote from bootinfoscript:
sda3: _________________________________________________________________________

    File system: ntfs
    Boot sector type: Windows Vista/7
    Boot sector info: No errors found in the Boot Parameter Block.
    Operating System: Windows Vista
    Boot files/dirs: /bootmgr /boot/bcd /Windows/System32/winload.exe
                       /wubildr.mbr /ubuntu/winboot/wubildr.mbr /wubildr
                       /ubuntu/winboot/wubildr /ubuntu/disks/root.disk
                       /ubuntu/disks/swap.disk /boot/grub/core.img

There is a /boot/bcd and a /boot/grub/core.img - I can't tell if these are distinct /boot directories or not. But basically Windows has a /Boot directory usually and installing grub created /boot/grub/core.img. If there are two /boot directories it will cause problems with Windows booting.

If there is just one, then maybe the presence of grub/core.img is causing issues. Not sure, but it certainly doesn't need to be there.

Boot the Wubi ubuntu and do:
ls -l /host

Look for /host/boot and /host/Boot
If there are two boots, delete (or rename is safer) the one containing grub...e.g:
sudo mv /host/boot /host/bootgrub

If there is only one, then just remove the grub bit:
sudo mv /host/boot/grub /host/grubboot

Ok, there was only one boot folder under host. I have removed grub
folder (contained core.img) and have been able to reboot Ubuntu without
problem, but Vista is still in continuous reboot cycle. In the
host/boot directory there are these BCD files that you mentioned. bcd,
BCD.LOG, BCD.LOG1 & BCD.LOG2. Should I try removing or renaming them?
Thanks again, Vic

On Sun, 2010-12-05 at 06:03 +0000, bcbc wrote:

> Your question #136273 on Wubi changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/wubi/+question/136273
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
> bcbc proposed the following answer:
> Quote from bootinfoscript:
> sda3: _________________________________________________________________________
>
> File system: ntfs
> Boot sector type: Windows Vista/7
> Boot sector info: No errors found in the Boot Parameter Block.
> Operating System: Windows Vista
> Boot files/dirs: /bootmgr /boot/bcd /Windows/System32/winload.exe
> /wubildr.mbr /ubuntu/winboot/wubildr.mbr /wubildr
> /ubuntu/winboot/wubildr /ubuntu/disks/root.disk
> /ubuntu/disks/swap.disk /boot/grub/core.img
>
> There is a /boot/bcd and a /boot/grub/core.img - I can't tell if these
> are distinct /boot directories or not. But basically Windows has a /Boot
> directory usually and installing grub created /boot/grub/core.img. If
> there are two /boot directories it will cause problems with Windows
> booting.
>
> If there is just one, then maybe the presence of grub/core.img is
> causing issues. Not sure, but it certainly doesn't need to be there.
>
> Boot the Wubi ubuntu and do:
> ls -l /host
>
> Look for /host/boot and /host/Boot
> If there are two boots, delete (or rename is safer) the one containing grub...e.g:
> sudo mv /host/boot /host/bootgrub
>
> If there is only one, then just remove the grub bit:
> sudo mv /host/boot/grub /host/grubboot
>

No, don't mess with the folder. I thought at first that there were two /boot directories. That's a known issue that interferes with Windows' boot.

I'll dig around for some more info, but I'm thinking that Windows repair might be your best option at this point.

I've actually tried the repair option from the recovery disk I burned
and it says its unable to repair. It says if I install it keeps my
settings etc. but I don't know what gets preserved. I have backed up to
a remote drive, so I suppose a reinstall then to restore from my last
backup is an option, but I'll still probably lose some things.

On Sun, 2010-12-05 at 16:10 +0000, bcbc wrote:

> Your question #136273 on Wubi changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/wubi/+question/136273
>
> bcbc posted a new comment:
> No, don't mess with the folder. I thought at first that there were two
> /boot directories. That's a known issue that interferes with Windows'
> boot.
>
> I'll dig around for some more info, but I'm thinking that Windows repair
> might be your best option at this point.
>

I think reinstalling should always be the absolute last option.

Are there any other messages before Vista rebooting?

Read this and see if that helps: http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/EBCD/Recovering+the+Vista+Bootloader+from+the+DVD

No, no other messages, just a black screen and Dell logo at start of a
reboot. I will get a copy of bootsect.exe and try to manually repair
from instructions on the Neosmart page you provided. I'll let you know
how I make out.
Thanks, Vic

On Sun, 2010-12-05 at 16:33 +0000, bcbc wrote:

> Your question #136273 on Wubi changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/wubi/+question/136273
>
> bcbc posted a new comment:
> I think reinstalling should always be the absolute last option.
>
> Are there any other messages before Vista rebooting?
>
> Read this and see if that helps:
> http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/EBCD/Recovering+the+Vista+Bootloader+from+the+DVD
>

Update on Vista boot saga --
I went and got the bootsect.exe and installed it directly on the root
drive c: The first command line bootrec.exe /fixmbr completes
successfully. The second command line which in my case would be c:
\bootsect.exe /nt60 all /force gives me the line 'system cannot execute
the specified program' I've tried putting the program on a thumb drive
and various other spots and get the same thing. The repair program says
it all tests pass successfully, so it doesn't know how to repair it. I
don't know if I should go on to rebuild the BCD registry if the boot
sector repair hasn't worked.
Any ideas? thanks, Vic

On Sun, 2010-12-05 at 17:00 +0000, Vic Reddekop wrote:

> Your question #136273 on Wubi changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/wubi/+question/136273
>
> You gave more information on the question:
> No, no other messages, just a black screen and Dell logo at start of a
> reboot. I will get a copy of bootsect.exe and try to manually repair
> from instructions on the Neosmart page you provided. I'll let you know
> how I make out.
> Thanks, Vic
>
> On Sun, 2010-12-05 at 16:33 +0000, bcbc wrote:
>
> > Your question #136273 on Wubi changed:
> > https://answers.launchpad.net/wubi/+question/136273
> >
> > bcbc posted a new comment:
> > I think reinstalling should always be the absolute last option.
> >
> > Are there any other messages before Vista rebooting?
> >
> > Read this and see if that helps:
> > http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/EBCD/Recovering+the+Vista+Bootloader+from+the+DVD
> >
>

I'm afraid I'm not very familiar with Vista recovery. I don't understand either how it got broken, except that the grub install probably had something to do with it.
I'm loathe to suggest things that might cause more damage - but I've seen that neosmart website used to help others before - which is why I gave you the link. But if that doesn't work, I think you do best to try a windows forum and hopefully the fix is simple and someone can point you in its direction. Sorry I can't be more help... Good luck!

You've been extremely helpful and I can only hope I find someone as helpful on a Windows forum. Thanks, again.
Vic