Ubuntu boot loader a problem?

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Jakob
Posts: 2
Joined: 17. May 2008, 17:39

Ubuntu boot loader a problem?

Post by Jakob »

Hello
Just a newbie question -
I'm trying VirtualBox on Windows XP and I want to install Ubuntu within it. However Ubuntu wants to install a boot loader on HD0. Will that present a problem with my normal boot of my XP machine? Will the Ubuntu boot loader affect anything outside the realm of VirtualBox?
firecat53
Posts: 23
Joined: 28. Apr 2008, 16:51

Post by firecat53 »

As long as the installation is actually running within VirtualBox on a virtual hard drive, you're fine. Everything that happens will only affect the virtual disk, which in reality is just a big file on your real hard drive. And you can just erase the file if you don't like it or anything goes wrong :)

Good luck!
Scott
Jakob
Posts: 2
Joined: 17. May 2008, 17:39

very strange

Post by Jakob »

Thank you for your answer. However, something is wrong. After the installation I reboot the virtual Ubuntu but it doesn't boot into anything. There is just a blank screen with a static cursor in the left corner. I have stated the virtual machine several times, but it didn't help
What can be wrong? I've tried with a different Linux distribution, but with the same outcome :?: I've installed from sound ISOs, but I must have missed something.
Sasquatch
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Joined: 17. Mar 2008, 13:41
Primary OS: Debian other
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Post by Sasquatch »

Did you actually get to the bootloader stage in the setup? Perhaps you skipped it, or the installer stopped before it had the change to install it properly. Run the installer again, then go to the point where it want's to install and install only the bootloader. Either Grub or Lilo will do.
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firecat53
Posts: 23
Joined: 28. Apr 2008, 16:51

Post by firecat53 »

What version of Ubuntu have you installed? The amd64 versions will not work, and the server version requires you to check the 'PAE support' box in the general settings for the VM. Also perhaps check your boot order in the settings and make sure the hard drive is selected as an option!

Scott
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