I installed Ubuntu 9.04 (yes I'm still a newb) so to help me fix Windows Vista. I liked it so much that I stayed. Then, Windows got corrupted and whie I didn't need it, my dad did. So I reinstalled windows to rectify the problem, only it messed up the boot order so I can't get into Ubuntu now. I downloaded the newest live dvd (lucid lynx) but I want to roll back to (I think) 9.10 (which I had upgraded to via "INSTALL UPDATES" box that does not go away). Well, I was going to fresh install because at the time I thought I had lost everyrthing on linux (including the archived files from windows.) Is it possible for me to use a 9.10 disc to recover the my settings etc. from 9.10 or do I have to move everything and just fresh install 9.04/9.10 along side windows and move it back?

You just need to reinstall grub.

boot the dvd in rescue mode and do it

If you want to reinstall, then keep /home intact (remove other directories)

Thikr,

If you have not yet destroyed (or fresh installed another Ubuntu over the old in) the same partition, Yes you can still recover the old condition as it is presumably still there.

It seems you only have a booting problem, the usual case when M$Windows is reinstalled or repaired (Windows will usually install its boot loader into the MBR). In this case Ubuntu is no longer visible upon boot up.

What to do:

1. Reinstall Grub boot loader into the MBR (Master Boot Record). You can use any linux tool cd's with grub. Use your liveCD installer, reinstall Grub into the ubuntu partition and the mbr.

2. Your M$windows should be available at grub boot page, if not, you will only need to manually edit the /boot/grub/menu.lst to chainload the windows. Here is a good grub tutorial read this first before you do the recovery.

Hope it helps.

Good luck.