Updated linux, grub menu not booting to windows partition

Question

I have just updated my Ubuntu linux to Ubuntu 10.4, not my grub menu isnt letting me boot to Windows Partition.

The problem seems to be with grubs new update from using an editable menu.lst file to using a non editable grub.cfg file. Everywhere I look it states "DO NOT EDIT THE GRUB.CGF FILE". I am at a loss as what to do. I figured that the new configuration has screwed up the Windows Boot File. Anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this. I am not sure if it is a windows issue or an issue with the Grub boot menu. Any help would be great. Thanks

-Chris Flynn

Answer 1

I can only be of partial help here. I don't use Ubuntu but I do run Debian "Squeeze" which has the same updated Grub. The new Grub system creates it's configuration file from a series of files that you can edit. On my Debian system they are located in "/etc/grub.d/". You should notice that these files have names that correspond to the various header sections in the grub.cfg file. The header sections begin with the word "#BEGIN" and are followed by the path to one of the files. You should be able to find the file that deals with booting Windows partitions and make whatever changes you need there. Once you've done that you need to run the grub-mkconfig command to create the new/updated grub.cfg file.

I don't run Windows so I can't help with dual booting that OS. Sorry if this is only half an answer.

Answer 2

Is the windows OS listed in grub's menu.lst file? Is there a timeout value that a human can work with in the menu.lst file? Examine the file menu.lst in grub's directory (don't know what it is in Ubuntu: /boot/grub/menu.lst ?)

Be calm, it is unlikely that Ubuntu installer/updater messed with your other partitions.