1) is there a way to read/write files from Ubuntu running Parallels Workstation (Virtual Machine) to windows with NTFS partitions. I hope it is possible because this is the only way i can get my Ubuntu running. I have tried to install Ubuntu as an OS dual boot with windows, but always account problems with GRUB.
2) How do i choose GRUB. during the installation i always see GRUB: hd0. But this always fails when boot up with the message "GRUB: error ...". My bios setup to boot is (1) SATA (2) PATA (IDE) 200gb (3) PATA 80gb. I tried to install Ubuntu to my 80gb hard drive. i also tried to use GRUB:hdb1 "this time GRUB works but still can't load Ubuntu, still get error, but i can boot up my windows with the GRUB.

i hope my problem descriptions aren't difficult to understand.
Thank you.

1. the utility to read/write to ntfs from linux is called ntfs-3g ... but what are these grub issues?

Usually, one uses grub to load windows - though one may also set up the windows bootloader to launch linux (I've only heard of this, not done it.) Chances are one of us knows a trick you've missed.

2. If this is Ubuntu Dapper or earlier, then there may be issues with SATA/PATA drives... getting grub into the mbr. Edgy, apparently, is supposed to work.

Please quote the exact grub error.
You realize the easiest place to install Ubuntu is to the ide drive?

Well ntfs-3g does not work with ubuntu running by parallels workstation (virtual machine) within windows coz the NTFS partitions couldn't be located when i ran the command "sudo fdisk -l | grep NTFS".
with the GRUB error. uhm i think it was "error 15 & 17". something ... is missing. that's what i remmember.
I'm using Ubuntu 6.10 Edgy, installation is smoothly completed without any problems, but when i rebooted. i couldn't get the Ubunutu running because of the GRUB error. Does any1 know how to fix the problem?

You are using the Parallels Workstation under Windows.

Sorry about that: yup - a Parallels guest OS cannot access a physical disk partition - only a virtual one. The entire environment is virtualized.

However, you can access files available to the host OS via samba.

From the [url=http://www.parallels.com/products/workstation/faq/4/]FAQ4[/quote]:

Without the actual error message - no.

Presumably you wouldn't be wrestling with Parallels but for this problem. Why not try another install and then copy the error over to here (or a new thread?)

Something like this: ???

Error 15 and 17 together usually means that the "root" line in the grub.conf entry is wrong. But it could mean that the root partition is corrupt. Either way, a re-installation will probably make it work, so long as you keep it simple.