GRUB2 fails to recognize any operating systems?
GRUB2 fails to recognize any operating systems?
Hey, I’m dealing with a PC that boots multiboot with Linux, Win XP, and Win 8.1; the GRUB2 bootloader works fine for Linux and Windows 8.1, but on Win XP I encountered no keyboard or mouse, and only a single boot in normal mode followed by BSODs that never cleared. After researching online, I thought a WinXP repair might fix the driver issues and resolve the problem. However, trying that also led to a continuous BSOD and restart cycle. I tried several solutions:
- Got GRUB2 to list a "Windows 8.1" entry, but it stuck on a screen saying "Setting partition type to 0x7" and nothing else.
- Followed a troubleshooting guide from Microsoft, which resulted in the MBR being set to Win 8.1 and allowing boot into it. Then I installed Linux live CD, added GRUB2, rebooted to local Linux, but GRUB2 couldn’t find any Windows OS.
- I tested a fresh installation of Win XP on its partition, with MBR bootloader for both Windows XP and the new install. GRUB2 still couldn’t locate any Windows OS.
- The original setup had MBR bootloader for GRUB2, with two entries: one for "Microsoft Windows Professional" and another that tried to resume the failed repair, always ending in a BSOD and restart.
I’m considering undoing these changes to stop the failed repair. Any advice?
After long battles with Paragon product suite, I realize my backup was actually made with Norton Ghost :-o
So i have restored that Win XP partition. And i am able to boot all 3 OS'es, but not from HDD grub. In other ways.
1. HDD grub
Went to HDD linux and ran
Code:
update-grub
. It did not find any Windows OS. Then I have manually mkdir'ed
Code:
/var/lib/os-prober/mount
and re-run
Code:
update-grub
This time it got me a Windows 8.1 entry which, if selected to boot, got me stuck on a black screen saying only
2. Live CD grub
Booted a Linux Mint 19 CD, mounted, chrooted, update-grubbed. Now the Windows 8.1 entry loads Win XP's bootloader
🙂
How do I revert to the old situation where the "Windows 8.1" grub menu entry would chainload Win 8.1's bootloader which in turn could load both Win8.1 and Win XP ?
non-EFI bootloading
Thanks!