Repairing boot managers and more in Linux and Windows
If you have several Linux systems – and possibly a Windows system – on your computer, you probably already have experienced the dubious pleasure of booting into a black hole embellished with an error message, like Error 17: Cannot mount selected partition, or a less than friendly prompt, like grub >.
For less experienced users, panic sets in about now. Although a Google search finds plenty of tips, without background knowledge, they do not always prove effective. Additionally, you first need to know whether GRUB [1] or GRUB 2 is installed on the computer: The two differ in terms of command syntax, as well as the location and content of their configuration files.
In other words, if you lack the ability to refloat your system with cryptic commands in the GRUB shell, you are well advised to have a rescue system in your drawer for such occasions. This can be, for example, the Ultimate Boot CD [2], which includes Super Grub Disk [3], or a specialized tool for reviving deceased boot managers, such as Rescatux [4].
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.
-
Firefox 134 Offers Improvements for Linux Version
Fans of Linux and Firefox rejoice, as there's a new version available that includes some handy updates.
-
Serpent OS Arrives with a New Alpha Release
After months of silence, Ikey Doherty has released a new alpha for his Serpent OS.