Problem solved thanks to Ben Collins, roundup to fix this problem: - remove the '# kopt_2_6=root=/dev/hdaX ro' line from your menu.lst - $ sudo update-initramfs -u -k 2.6.19-6-generic - $ sudo grub-update - reboot -- kernel 2.6.19-6 does not boot https://launchpad.net/bugs/73057