Ubuntu 10.10 + Windows 7 dual boot nightmare

[Dr.Fuzzy]

Well, no I've tried that and it didn't work. Now /Boot and bootmgr reside in sda3 (Windows 7) apart from sda2 (RECOVERY).

update-grub discovers two "Windows 7 loader", the first on sda2 and the second on sda3. Second one works fine now and loads W7 but the first one which is supposed to start the recovery process, simply halts.

Any ideas of how I may improve the current situation to resolve the recovery option as well?

[Quackers]

I suspect there is a problem with one or both of the boot files in sda2. W7 can be a bit fussy about them not being on sda1 sometimes.
They will do the job just fine in sda3 though.
Your 2 Windows loader entries are probably grub picking up the 2 boot files in sda2 and sda3.
These files would not normally refer to the recovery partition (although they may be in it). You would normally boot to the recovery partition by tapping a key at startup (F11 or similar - your manual should give details).

If you make a note of which one actually boots Windows 7 you can delete (or effectively delete) the other from the grub menu using drs305's guide below. (But in all honesty it would be easier to just live with it ).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1287602

[Dr.Fuzzy]

Well sda1 is named after "DellUtility" 41MB FAT partition, and contains the /Boot folder, but not the bootmgr file. I have no idea what this partition is there for! So, you assume I should move the bootmgr file in sda1, change the bootloader to point to it and boot W7 from there? F?? what key for the Recovery, sorry but I'm abroad and have no manual with me.

[Quackers]

No, if Windows is booting I would advise you to leave things as they are
A manual should be obtainable from the manufacturer's website.

[Dr.Fuzzy]

OK. Think is F12 but this only brings up the boot menu and a diagnostics option for video/memory etc tests.

[Quackers]

Not F12 then
F12 is commonly used for boot options in later machines.

[Dr.Fuzzy]

google'd it but couldn't find anything relevant...

[Quackers]

My first hit on Google. Have you tried this?

http://www.ehow.com/how_2134715_dell...-settings.html

[Davste]

Can you get into windows? I had a similar problem and I installed easy BCD, messed around with the settings, did a "Fix MBR", and it worked like a charm.

If you can't get into windows try getting windows on a usb stick or something similar - it's slow but serves the purpose

[Dr.Fuzzy]

@Quackers

man I feel ashamed...seriously didn't see it. Thanks a lot!

@Davster

I can now boot on W7, but had to to do it the hard way. Anyways, the BCD tool was not of any use to me since I wasn't being able to boot on W7. All good now!