Ubuntu and hardrive issues. (With picture)

[machineman9]

So I am trying to install Linux or similar onto a spare hard drive. I started with PCLinuxOS, but because it wouldn't boot up correctly I am trying with Ubuntu.

I downloaded it and extracted it. I tried burning it to a DVD (but it says there are no system files to be found on the disc)

Instead I tried to boot it up in Windows, as you can. I selected 'Install inside Windows' and on the selection screen it only shows this hard drive as existing. The Ubuntu software and My Computer show it as only one hard drive connected, but there are two. One SATA and one ATA.

On the BIOS it exists and on Device Manager it exists, but it cannot be seen as a drive and I cannot use it.


Any thoughts? Why isn't it showing up, and what is the correct method from download to a disc to burn Ubuntu?


Cheers

[AMDDDA]

I think that Ubuntu is supposed to be burned to a CD

[machineman9]

I think that Ubuntu is supposed to be burned to a CD

You can boot it up inside Windows. It has an actual application in the file which lets you reboot (ready to install) or 'Install inside Windows'

One of my issues is that I don't quite know how to properly install it. I have the download of it, and I managed to decompress it too, but whenever I burn it and put it into the drive and boot from the disc, it says there are no system files.

[AMDDDA]

Try Fedora 9 then, as Ubuntu has a few bugs right now, try Dling an earlier version also.

[sonic]

or mint I acutally distro hopped for awhile but have stuck with mint for about 2 months and really like it.

[machineman9]

I found my error... I needed to burn the full image. I had used 7-Zip to extract it.


Now I have GRUB popping up whenever I want to boot up.

How can I remove GRUB? It is completely getting in the way. I cannot use one hardrive without the other, meaning that I can't take the Ubuntu hardrive and put it in my HDD needing system or Vista will not boot up. I cannot use one hardrive or the other, they both have to be there because of GRUB. I think we need to call in the Nick...

[NickN]

I dont work with Linux or its variants so I cant help you. I suggest you vist forums that deal with this product

I have heard of the Grub issue before.. I think its because it wrote to the boot sector of the drive but I do not know the process to remove it

[machineman9]

I dont work with Linux or its variants so I cant help you. I suggest you vist forums that deal with this product

I have heard of the Grub issue before.. I think its because it wrote to the boot sector of the drive but I do not know the process to remove it

Ah alright, cheers anyway.

I've been looking around for many hours and can't seem to find anything definate. I think most places are suggesting using a recovery disc. I wasn't shipped one with my computer, but my mum's new laptop might have one, so I shall keep an eye out when I set it up later.

[AMDDDA]

Put in Another HDD with XP on it, take yours out, hotplug the other one in when you're in XP, Navigate to C:\ on your normal drive, and go to boot.cfg and edit out the Ubuntu boot on it.







May work, I know it does for removing other XP / Vista boots, maybe not with linux.

[machineman9]

I don't have an XP hardrive anywhere unfortunately...

Could I edit it through Ubuntu? boot.cfg isn't showing up on Vista, but I think it was visible on Ubuntu

[AMDDDA]

It'll be classified as a hidden file or folder in vista.



If it shows on ubuntu, just delete the entry that says Ubuntu on it, like this is mine:

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /3GB/Userva=2560

That's for XP, but it's an example of what to delete. Look for one that says Ubuntu.



Also, I'd back up your stuff, as it may mess up your system, I don't know.

By the way, doing this makes it so that Ubuntu isn't one of the options to select at OS startup.

[machineman9]

Yeh I am definately backing that file up  ;)


I will have a look in a bit, just getting ready for cadets at the minute.

Cheers so far, it is very helpful  ;)

[machineman9]

Okay, so I managed to find a boot file on the 'File System' directory on Ubuntu.

It had grub (like, the first time I have seen that directory)

I explore it, but no boot.cfg (I imagine cfg is a Windows only extension, but still, it was not there)

Here is an image of what I am seeing...

Clicky



That whole area is completely restricted. I can just about read the files, but no adjustments or deletions can be made whatsoever. Wierd seeing as my account is the one in control.

[Mazza]

OMG Ubuntu is a nightmare... worse than windows no but i could not connect to net... right pass and nah then really slow then i un-installed properly and lost 50Gigs on HDD space

[machineman9]

OMG Ubuntu is a nightmare... worse than windows no but i could not connect to net... right pass and nah then really slow then i un-installed properly and lost 50Gigs on HDD space

You may have to delete the partition using some software.

I just have no idea how to safely uninstall Ubuntu so that it removes GRUB with it.