Browsing Latin translation

1625.

Troubleshooting

1626.

Resolving problems

1627.

Sometimes things may not work as they should. Luckily, problems encountered while working with Ubuntu are often easily fixed. This chapter is meant as a guide for resolving basic problems users may encounter while using Ubuntu. If you need any additional help beyond what is provided in this chapter, take a look at other support options that are discussed in \seclink{sec:finding-additional-help-and-support} later in this book.

1628.

Troubleshooting guide

1629.

The key to effective troubleshooting is to work slowly, complete all of the troubleshooting steps, and to document the changes you made to the utility or application you are using. This way, you will be able to undo your work, or give fellow users the information about your previous attempts\dash the latter is particularly helpful in cases when you look to the community of Ubuntu users for support.

1630.

Ubuntu fails to start after I've installed Windows

1631.

booting!troubleshooting

1632.

Occasionally you may install Ubuntu and then decide to install Microsoft Windows as a second operating system running side-by-side with Ubuntu. This is supported in Ubuntu, but you might also find after installing Windows that you will no longer be able to start Ubuntu.

1633.

When you first turn on your computer, a ``bootloader'' is responsible for initiating the start of an operating system, such as Ubuntu or Windows. \marginnote{A \define{bootloader} is the initial software that loads the operating system when the computer is powered up.} When you installed Ubuntu, you automatically installed an advanced bootloader called \define{\acronym{GRUB}}. \acronym{GRUB} allows you to choose between the various operating systems installed on your computer, such as Ubuntu, Windows, Solaris, or Mac \acronym{OS~X}. If Windows is installed after Ubuntu, the Windows installation removed \acronym{GRUB} and replaced the bootloader with it's own. As a result, you can no longer choose an operating system to use. You can restore \acronym{GRUB} and regain the ability to choose your operating system by following the steps below, using the same \acronym{DVD} you used to install Ubuntu.

1634.

First, insert your Ubuntu \acronym{DVD} into your computer and then restart the computer, making sure to instruct your computer to boot from the \acronym{DVD} drive and not the hard drive (see \chaplink{ch:installation}). Next, choose your language (\eg, English) and select \menu{Try Ubuntu}. Once Ubuntu starts, click on the top-most icon in the Launcher (the Dash icon). Then, search for \userinput{Terminal} using the search box. Then, select Terminal in the search results (or press \keystroke{Ctrl+Alt+T}). A window should open with a blinking prompt line. Enter the following, and press the \keystroke{Enter} key: