I decided to install Ubunto on my laptop, I had a blank partition on it already, aswell as my WinXP partition. Install went fine, but the problems started when I restarted and tried to boot my system.

'GRUB' appeared on the screen, and then the system froze. I tried reformatting the linux partition, reinstalling and using LILO instead. This came up with 'L', before freezing.

I also tried Mandrake 9.0 and VectorLinux SOHO, both produce similar results when it comes to booting.

I have no idea what the problem is, I've tried everything I can think of, but I can't boot into either Linux or Windows, so basically, my system is unusable.

I don't think this post will be very helpful, since I don't know where or what the problem is, but can anyone advise me?

Did you install GRUB into the MBR or somewhere else?

You might try to disable plug and play in the bios.

It's installed on the master boot record

I can boot CDs fine, so is there a CD I can use with a bootloader on the CD, if that makes sense. I can use this as a temporary solution, at least as long enough to get into windows and back some stuff up.

Edit: http://lists.debian.org/debian-boot/.../msg00169.html is the same problem as mine, but doesn't provide a solution. Can someone take a looksee and advise?

Every distro has a boot disk or CD, you can use to boot into your installed linux. Once inside, mount your partitions on a mountpoint and then chroot to the mountpoint. When you chrooted to your installed linux, you can use al the files (like startx) and use your installed linux.

I understand that Ubunto is not Mandrake or Redhat based, but this sounds similar to the dual boot disaster that those distros are experiencing right now. http://lwn.net/Articles/86835/

I'd get a Knoppix disk and backup your Windows documents before doing anything else. (the voice of experience!)

Mike