(How To example) Fix "GRUB" problems on Ubuntu 9.10

[Sebas310]

Hey everyone! This is, if I am correct, the first "How To:" post on the forums, and is meant to give a general way to present the information. My notes of going about this will be in asterisks **

**First off, I am going to explain the problem and what it actually is technically **
Problem: When Ubuntu boots after a fresh install, it seems to hang on a blinking cursor

What it actually is: Ubuntu tries to install the proprietary Broadcom drivers upon install and they have had problems with the Linux 2.6.31-14 kernel, causing it to become stuck when trying to connect the drivers to the hardware. This is fixed in an update to the newest kernel, 2.6.31-17.

** Now I begin to explain how to fix it, step by step (note the double space between each step and the bolding of sections) **
How to fix it:

Part 1: First off, you are going to have to reinstall Ubuntu, but with some special instructions.

1. Insert your bootable device, whether it be USB, CD or DVD, and boot up

2. After it prompts you for your language, it presents multiple options for you to boot. Press down till you reach "Install Ubuntu,"
and press F6. This should bring up the Advanced Menu.

3. Upon reaching the advanced menu, choose the option "Free Software Only" by highlighting it and pressing enter. Press enter again to boot the live cd installation.

4. Continue through the installation process

Part 2: Getting the wireless to work now

1. Boot into your Ubuntu install, and realize there is no wireless. Plug in an Ethernet cable.

2. Go to System>Administration>Software Sources

3. You will notice that "Proprietary Drivers for devices (restricted)" and "Software restricted by copyright or legal issues (multiverse)" are unchecked. Proceed to check them

4. Go over to the "Other Software" tab. Check off all of the boxes and click close. It will say "The information about available software is out-of-date," click close.

5. Now open "System>Administration>Update Manager." Click "Check", allow it to update the repository list, and then click "Install Updates." Allow it to install the updates, this may take a while.

6. Reboot your computer. Log back into Ubuntu.

7. Open "System>Administration>Hardware Drivers." Allow it to check your system for the required drivers. When it finishes, you will be presented with options for install: Broadcom STA, Braodcom fw-cutter, and others. Click on the Broadcom STA and click "Activate." it will proceed to go online and install the correct drivers.

8. Reboot! You will now find yourself face to... screen with a computer that has wireless options! Your journey has ended!

**Closing comment**
Thank you for following this tedious task of getting your wireless to work. if this didn't work or you get stuck on a part of it, please post here.

--
Sebas310

[Kevin Bogle]

Great how-to, thanks for putting it together.

One note--When I reached the partition part of the re-install, I found that the previous install of Ubuntu was still there and I wasn't sure what to do...so I just installed them side-by-side. What would you suggest for people to do?

[Sebas310]

Assuming that you wish to replace the previous, not working, version of Ubuntu, here's what I reccomend:

1. When the screen for choosing where on the Hard Drive to install opens up, choose Advanced Options and click Next.

2. You will reach a screen that has a list of all of the partitions on your HDD for both your Ubuntu and Windows. Select the Ubuntu install (the type will either be "ext3" or "ext4") and then click "Edit Partition."

3. Ignoring the first two drop down options, check off "Format the partition" and for "Mount Point" insert a "/" (without the quotes). Now click "Ok."

4. Select the swap partition (called that under "Type"), go to "Edit Partition" and select "Use as" to be "swap." Click ok and continue through your installation as usual.

Hope this helps! If not, reply back asap!