Can anybody assist me? I have trouble booting Ubuntu. The system goes as far as just after the initial Ubuntu logo and after that the mouse cursor change to a little wheel (indicating it is busy loading something) and nothing further happens. I have tried to boot in save mode and it works very well up to the root directory. Since I am new to linux I do not know what to do from here and how to fix the problem.

I will really appreciate it if anybody can help me. I have data (downloaded e-mails and letters) that I don't want to loose and would try any thing not to reinstall the whole system again (third time).

Please help.
Silverfox1957

well in windows with this sort of error i would say restore all system files not 100% sure how to do that on linux. but if you want to get you data off i would recommend getting a linux live cd and copy you data off over the network connect or other storage devices

also if you get a live cd after you have backup your files try installing that version

Hi townie,

Thanks for the response, I need a little more than that. I think it is possible to correct the errors by using the save mode boot system of Ubuntu. I just don't know how to do it.

There must be a way to restore my system without having to reinstall it and this is the answer I am looking for. I know that in Windows you can run your windows CD again and repair the system to its original working form. I want to do exactly the same thing in Ubuntu but need a bit of help.

Thanks anyway.
Silverfox1957

My suggestion:
Boot from your original ubuntu disk, in live-cd mode. Do not click the Install icon when you get to the desktop!
Make a complete backup of your home directory to another, external, disk.
Then start solving the problem of why you cannot boot to the version that is installed on your HDD.
That way, your documents, pictures and emails will be safe.
Edit: I'm an idiot - townie already suggested this! I need coffee /Edit

What do you mean ???:
- do you get a prompt (probably root@pcname ~) ???.
- or is it failing at the checking/mounting of the root ??? (i.e. the system still isn't usable)

If you get a prompt, try "startx" (no quotes) - does it work ???. If not what do the errors say ???.