I have three Ubuntu partitions: /dev/hda1 (an older backup), /dev/hdb2 (a newer backup), and /dev/hda1 (the new partition I plan to use). Both backups can be deleted once I can get a menu entry that will boot to /dev/hda1. However, I've edited all my menu.lst entries, none of them effect grub's menu anymore unfortunately. It has a spelling error in the entry for /dev/hda1 and I've fixed it and refixed and rebooted several times and it's still there. It's quite frustrating.

So I tried using grub-install to make grub install itself onto the Master Boot Record. Here are my results:

I've rebooted since then and still the menu is the same and I cannot boot to /dev/hda1. I'm in need of some help.

How are you installing GRUB? eg are you using a live CD?

I prefer the "native" method for installing GRUB---open the grub shell, and enter:
root (hdX,Y)
setup (hd0)

the root command tells the grub installer where /boot is--ie where the GRUB files are. If it is hda1, then the command will be "root (hd0,0)"

The booting article at my site (link below) may be useful

Well grub files are installed in all of my ubuntu partitions but I tried to install it with grub-install while in one of my ubuntu partitions. I will try your method next.

Ok your method worked once but it's no longer working and in any event it appears it only had effect on the next boot. I need a permanent fix for the problem.

Have you checked the file /boot/grub/devices (I think that's right). It should have entries like

hda (hd0)
hdb (hd1)

If you're booting from hdb then maybe it needs to read that hdb is mapped to hd0.