[Bug 948716] Re: grub-probe erroneously returns FAT UUID in lowercase

[mikifin]

Hi all,

I have completed these tests with the new wubi file I got from Ilya.
1. I used it to "un-install" my current version of Ubuntu 10.40.3 (?) and that worked without a problem removing the bootstrap files so that Win7 boots correctly and removed the Ubuntu system files from the primary C drive.
2. I used the new wubi file to install version 12x of Ubuntu to my customized system and it worked flawlessly to install and uninstall Ubuntu to both the primary logical drive C and to a back partition as well.
3. I re-imaged and installed to an OEM system (after setting up the HDD in preparation- dynamic to static, and setting up extended partitions to free primary partition for Linux) and used the "new" wubi file without issue to install and un-install Ubuntu to the system both to the primary and back partitions.

I would say that the issue is fixed, I do have a couple of comments.

1. Labelling the folders of the installed files with version i.e. grub2 ver1.1 or Ubuntu 10.4.03 etc. on the installed system  would help you and users keep track of what has been installed, particularly over time when trying to back track an issue. Worked well in the DOS Windows world, why not take advantage of this?
2. I think that a windows users rather than a newbie "corner" be setup so entry into Linux/Ubuntu in this case is easier. For instance, it has never been necessary for me to know that only four operating system primary partitions are possible or that it is practice for may manufacturers to take up all these partitions with all their "stuff" and thus make it impossible to mount up another OS. I can only find tangential mention of this whole area of computing on the web and most of it is from a professional point of view, not explanation for users. It is also not mentioned anywhere that the windows user needs to shift the system to a static drive setup, change the partitions etc. to add Linux in this case Ubuntu. To top this all off windows only mentions this "situation" in one warning box and only the first time the user "bumps" into this issue. I worked as a "black box" tester for companies in the Northwest like Microsoft and they had a system for handling this data. It took me months and scanning virtual reams of information to piece together this information (I am a little obsessive) from the web and the Ubuntu site. If you want more adopters, not just gear heads, or insomniacs like me to use Linux this whole area of finding the data needs to be addressed. For the time being I would add a link on your site with information like this directed specifically to Windows users, a running data sheet if you will.

Thanks, great working with you folks

Mike

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https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/948716

Title:
  grub-probe erroneously returns FAT UUID in lowercase

Status in “grub2” package in Ubuntu:
  Fix Released
Status in “grub2” source package in Oneiric:
  Triaged
Status in “grub2” source package in Precise:
  Fix Released

Bug description:
  Here is the scenario/s:

  About a month ago I tried to setup Ubuntu using wubi. The install went
  well and I installed ubuntu to H partition there where three others C,
  E (HP TOOLS) OEM D (recovery) OEM and H the drive I setup for the
  Ubuntu install. I rebooted after the install and got the boot menu
  chose ubuntu and got this message (machine and config listed below):

  Try (hd0,0): no wubildr
  Try (hd0,1) no wubildr
  Try (hd0,2): error: "prefix" is not set

  I wiped the machine and reinstalled the OEM image and did the same
  setup and configuration to pick up a re-install later. I did setup
  Ubuntu to an external drive and boot to it using the BIOS to direct
  the computer to boot from the external drive. This works fine so I
  assume that the files are delivered and correct. I installed from a
  download ISO and installed it from disk.

  I have an HP G62 with Windows 7 Home Premium and I went to the Ubuntu
  site and downloaded the wubi setup software three days ago 3/3/12.
  Again the install when well. I got the boot menu, I can boot into Win7
  no problems. When I boot into Ubuntu I get these messages:

  Try (HD 0,0) NTFS: no wubildr
  Try (HD 0,1) NTFS: Error: "prefix" is not set.

  When I wait a couple of minutes I get:
  Gave up waiting for Root device. 
  Common problems:
  Boot args (cat/proc/cmdline) etc. etc. (lists causes)
  Check root etc. etc. (list causes)
  Missing modules etc. etc.

  Alert! /DEV/disk/by-ucid/1a16-46e4 does not exist
  dropping to shell Busybox v1.18.4

  initramfs

  The good thing is I have windows still working. The bad thing is I
  can't over-install, or un-install without a lot of hassle unless I
  become a boot manager mogul and hand build the boot strap.

  What I have done is use easyBCD to look around and it reports this:

  There are a total of 2 entries listed in the bootloader.

  Default: Windows 7
  Timeout: 10 seconds
  EasyBCD Boot Device: C:\

  Entry #1
  Name: Windows 7
  BCD ID: {current}
  Drive: C:\
  Bootloader Path: \Windows\system32\winload.exe

  Entry #2
  Name: Ubuntu
  BCD ID: {40b8ef84-5951-11e0-810e-f72a342c7c90}
  Drive: H:\
  Bootloader Path: \ubuntu\winboot\wubildr.mbr

  From the boot manager's point of view I have ubuntu installed to the
  right partition and I checked wubildr is there and so is a ubuntu
  folder. I checked the windows side and all the files and folders are
  in the right place.

   I checked the message boards and no one seems to have a good handle
  on what to do to fix the issue.

  
  If indeed easyBCD is correct the boot strap can't find the wubildr folder, whether the other files are installed in the ubuntu folder that are needed to get it up and running are in place I don't know.

  1. The version I think is 2 ubuntu2 or 11.04.1
  2. I would assume that with the time line above and the fact that I am using your wubi install you will know what versions and packages. I can't get the windows tools to tell me what version of Ubuntu was downloaded by wubi. I can't get into ubuntu or I would give that information to you. HINT: maybe you could add this stuff to the windows property sheets so troubleshooting would be easier.
  3. I downloaded wubi, ran it and what happened is listed above.
  4. I can't boot to Ubuntu
  5. What happened is listed above

  Finally, if you labelled the folders instead of grub to grub 2 and
  added information that the windows system can see you could get more
  information i.e. label the ubuntu folder ubuntu 11.04.1 or such and
  put in information that would register on the windows property sheet
  we could help you better.

  Obviously this is a severe level one bug. If you can install and get
  the OS up and running and don't provide for a painless un-install.

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