Hello My name is Devin and Im having several hopefully new to Ubuntu issues that are causing quite a bit of stress, the First of which is that I am unable to Access my Windows Partition via Grub. During the Boot Process it gives 3 options for Ubuntu, kernel that route into ubuntu and one Ubuntu Memtest... When I did install my Linux I used Acronis to pre partition my HD to give space for this OS I cannot remember but Im assuming I did it in NTFS which could explain why when I attempted to install from the Live DVD it did not recognize that Partition and instead Resized my windows partition to allow for Ubuntu.
The other Problem I am currently experiencing is most likely user error but when I configured GAIM so that I may get some online assistance, as directed by the website, I was not able to join any local chat rooms however there was a user already on my Buddies list (to which we verified) whom I had never met before.
If anyone out there would care to shed some light on my mess I would be grateful thank you LQ

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Most Distros have the ability to partition the hd for their installation. In most cases during installation they will have an option to choose the size of the partitions or do it automatically. Now for the "chat" I can't offer any help there. In the future if you decide to partition ahead of the install for linux, make the file system ext 2 or ext 3.

Im glad someone is trying to assist me, Like I said earlier Im still very inexperienced with linux but when I tried to edit /boot/grub/menu.lst somehow it states Permission Denied.. sigh, please help

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Your first message had a title mentioning GRUB, but the text was on other subjects....
The message above I can handle.....

Open a terminal, and type "sudo nano /boot/grub/menu.lst" Now you can modify the file. Nano takes a little getting used to, but is pretty easy to use. If you don't like nano, then substitute gedit or kedit (One of these will be on your system)

Sudo is a way of gaining root powers for one specific action. You can also enable the root account on Ubuntu using "sudo passwd root"

Thank you Pixenally I know it must seem like a simple procedure for you but you really did help point me in the right Direction, I still have plenty to comprehend but at least know I am progressing I love Linux and am extremely eager to learn, however I still rely on my windows (and OS X on my Mac) that I am anxious to be able to access, perhaps over anxious, I have located a few more resources for reference but Ill be checking this thread periodically if you have anything to add i.e. points, tips, fantastic links It would really speed up the process. I'm just grateful there is an understanding community out there to usher the newcomers along and cant wait to begin contributing to it.. Once again thank you Pix and Thanks LQ!


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hey... we were ALL noobies at some point!

Just another tip, I have Core 4 dual-booting with Windows Vista, and under the title Windows Vista, I issue the following commands:

rootnoverify (hd1,0)
chainloader +1

The rootnoverify line tells GRUB where to look for the next commands (if files are on the hard disk, it tells what hard disk and what partition). You could also do
"rootnoverify (hd<tab>", and when you press tab, it'll fill in or show you what possibilities there are on your system.

The chainloader simply tells grub to pass off to another bootloader, in this case, the Windows bootloader, which takes it from there.

You have the right attitude---therefore you will succeed.
I have found no question that could not be answered by someone here---once I learned how to ask and how to read the answers...

If you are going to play in the /boot/grub/menu.ls it would be advisable to get a live distro cd or a recovery cd. These can make the repairs of mistakes simple. Take it from a (mess up) pro that had one heck of a time understanding grub and multibooting.

or make a printout of that file.

if worse comes to worse, you can always go to grub, press "c" for a command line, then type the commands your printed out by themselves, and it'll work. Just make sure after all the commands you add the "boot" command!