Ubuntu 9.10 with Grub 2 installed in partition unable to boot

[Tom H]

>> However, grub-setup has an "-f" flag to force an installation and I
>> have seen reports in fora of its use to install grub2 to a VBR. I have
>> never used it so I cannot attest to its functionality and/or
>> reliability.

> Tom, I think use of 'grub-setup' is to be discouraged. It's a 'sub-set'
> of grub-install and wherever possible, use grub-install instead.

You're right but the OP wants to break the grub2 rules so he has to
use unorthodox means... :)