[HLUG] Installing Ubuntu 9.04

[Julian Robbins]

Chris wrote:
> Hi everybody
>
>     Can anyone please help with the following:
>    
>     At this stage it is impossible to re-load Windows - the Installation 
> disk can't find the hard drive and it is impossible to selectively wipe 
> the partition for re-loading, you have to wipe the whole drive and start 
> again.
>
>     It is as though the Windows Boot Sector and/or the MBR has not only 
> been over-written but somehow corrupted
>   
Its a bit to say, but i have seen similar issues where Windows was 
hibernated not fully switched off before partitioning which can cause 
problems. Also, sometimes, Windows is left with a 'dirty bit' (i think 
that's what its called :-) ), which stops it booting cleanly. What you 
have to do is run the win install disc, and go into the emergency 
recovery console, which usually fixes it.

Otherwise, you can quite easily recover the MBR to the previous state 
with 'fixmbr', but you'll have to google for the precise notation. Using 
a livecd, and a partition editor/viewer can be useful to see what it 
says about the partitions states.

I hope this helps.

Julian


>     Any ideas more than appreciated
>
> Chris Owens
>
>
>