Question Details

Browse

Linux Installation Issue

By Kutty Shankar - Aug. 08, 2008

i am having problems with Linux. I had vista operation before then i decided to use both Linux ubuntu and vista and i was going to use linux for first time ,i got some information for initializations which was telling me if u want install linux for first time go in windows vista and shrink your hard drive. i did shrink my hard drive and free about 10 gb for Linux ,when Linux installation finished i get my first problem i could not login because it seems i typed wrong word on it , then i tried to switch to windows vista when i restart pc, i got some option in boot which had 2 option for vista when i choose one of them it takes me to somewhere which is recovery part of my computer corporation then i cancel it and i restart system , but this time before going to boot options it gives me this error: GRUB LOADING ERROR 17 and i cant go anywhere else.
i bring up pc now with live cd , i searched some information on the internet about this problem but i did not understand anything because i am 100 percent new in Linux please tell me what should even i cant remove linux and back it to windows? Help...


Answers

Add Answer

  1. By Taylor Jing on Aug. 08, 2008

    It appears that:

    1) You have installed the GRUB bootloader onto your system during the Ubuntu installation process.

    2) You originally had Windows Vista installed.

    3) Your system had a factory installed recovery partition from an OEM.

    4) You would like to get Vista back up and running.


    If you are not technically inclined, then creating a dual-boot scenario is not a good idea. There are always issues when first creating a dual-boot system.


    My recommendation would be to boot from your Vista CD/DVD and follow the REPAIR path. - What you need to get back on your system is a boot block that points to Vista's kernel (and to overwrite the GRUB bootloader). - You'll need a Vista technical help person for that.


    Or, follow your OEM recovery path - That other partition is there to allow a support person from the OEM to lead you through re-initializing your system properly per their original specifications. - You'll need the support contact info from the OEM for that.


    Or, do what Microsoft would recommend, and perform a new, fresh install of Vista. - Delete and re-create all partitions in the process, ensuring that nothing will remain from the previous installations. - Then restore any personal data from your backup source(s).


    You could reserve the 10GB partition for Ubuntu during these processes for later use once you have discovered a method that works to dual-boot properly on a system configured as yours is.


    Then, once you are back up and running, I'd suggest getting another PC to use to play with Ubuntu. - You can experiment with performing the dual-boot installation on that system and not endanger the one you depend on. - Configure the partitions in the same manner as your current Vista system. - Install (but don't register) Vista in the same partitions. - Then put Ubuntu on and get a bootloader working that allows you to boot from any of the 3 OS's. - When you are satisfied that you have a method that works, you can back up your Vista data and try that approach on your Vista system.


    After getting Ubuntu up, installing Firefox, Thunderbird, Open Office, etc. you may find that Vista is no longer needed ;)


    1 Votes
    Report this

  2. By an anonymous user on Aug. 08, 2008

    To re-write your Master Boot Record (MBR) within vista isn't as easy as Linux. If you wish to completely remove Linux, you should download this program and do as instructed

    http://www.sysint.no/nedlasting/mbrfix.htm


    If you want to try to fix your MBR within Linux (GRUB) then I would say boot from the Live CD, maybe in 'rescue' mode if need be. You should check the /boot/grub/grub.conf file to make sure the partition names for each boot option are specified correctly. Then run ""grub-install"" as root. You will need to re-write the MBR.


    0 Votes
    Report this

  3. By an anonymous user on Aug. 10, 2008

    This sounds like your MBR is messed up because of the failed install. At worst case, you can fix this by installing Linux again too, in case you cannot fix the MBR as mentioned above.


    0 Votes
    Report this

  4. By Jim Cattron on Aug. 24, 2008

    I would recommend using Ubuntu 8.04's option of installing inside of Windows. You'll lose a bit of performance (not noticable) but will minimize the risk of messing up your disk if you're new to this sort of thing. Removing Ubuntu then becomes as simple as removing any other Windows application (Add/Remove Programs control panel).


    0 Votes
    Report this

  5. By kan guo on Aug. 28, 2008

    To re-write your Master Boot Record (MBR) ,use fdisk /mbr in dos.


    0 Votes
    Report this

  6. By molin show on Aug. 28, 2008

    After getting Ubuntu up, installing Firefox, Thunderbird, Open Office, etc. you may find that Vista is no longer needed ;)


    0 Votes
    Report this

  7. By Mike Farley on Sep. 04, 2008

    Boot with Vista boot CDROM and run a MBRFIX.


    0 Votes
    Report this
Share your knowledge