Grub bootloader overwritten by WinXP bootloader, all other os' gone!

craigforsure · 03-28-2010, 01:27 AM

I originally had Windows Vista installed multibooted with Ubuntu.
I was using grub as provided in the Ubuntu installation. It was working fine and gave me the option to choose my linux partition, vista, or vista recovery partition everytime I booted. But today I installed XP, which I found out due to a software compatability issue I had to have! After installing XP, it overwrote? the grub bootloader. Now, when I start my computer it loads directly into XP without giving me option to boot to Vista or Ubuntu. I need major help! I have to get back to my Vista partition at the least. Is their anyway I can re-install grub? or what is the best route?
Thanks!

Absent Minded · 03-28-2010, 01:37 AM

First, I would update XP so it will support the newer NTFS. Thatway when you do get to boot Vista (and your XP drive is upgraded to the latest NTFS) XP will still be usable afterwards. Then dig out your Vista disk and restore the Vista boot sector and add XP to your boot.ini file in Vista. AFTER you have done all that then you should be able to restore your Grub using your Ubuntu CD or a SuperGrub disk.

crts · 03-28-2010, 01:42 AM

Hi,

see if this helps you out:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Re...tallingWindows

_Linux_Learner · 03-28-2010, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigforsure

I originally had Windows Vista installed multibooted with Ubuntu.
I was using grub as provided in the Ubuntu installation. It was working fine and gave me the option to choose my linux partition, vista, or vista recovery partition everytime I booted. But today I installed XP, which I found out due to a software compatability issue I had to have! After installing XP, it overwrote? the grub bootloader. Now, when I start my computer it loads directly into XP without giving me option to boot to Vista or Ubuntu. I need major help! I have to get back to my Vista partition at the least. Is their anyway I can re-install grub? or what is the best route?
Thanks!

Grub can be easily re-installed. Boot in using live cd. Check out the following link for further actions.....

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=224351

craigforsure · 03-28-2010, 10:22 PM

Thanks so much guys for the quick replies!
CRTS: I used your link to re-install grub(which it did). I rebooted my computer and it showed me grub just as before I had install XP. I scrolled down and clicked on Vista which directed me back to the Windows XP bootloader. NO! But, also, since I now have Grub re-installed I also have access to my Vista Recovery Partition, and PRASIE THE LORD!!, that resotred the link from Grub to my Vista partition. YAY! Now the only other thing I need to figure out how to do is how to add Windows XP entry into grub. Thanks so much for yall's help!

danboland · 03-29-2010, 02:49 AM

There should be an example of windows XP in the config files (commented out).

In the future its always better to install Windows first and then Linux.

But if you did it the other way, its also possible to use the windows boot manager to load up xp, vista, or linux. just need to edit the windows loader, not sure about vista but i'm pretty sure its in msconfig with out re-installing grub.