gentoo seems to have killed the MBR...

thechris · Veteran Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Posts: 1203

ok, this may be partially my fault. here is what happened in order:
got new computer
moved hard disks around.
installed ubuntu 64bit version. this worked.
network card not detected in ubuntu64. not sure why.
attempted to install gentoo 32bit. upgraded to gcc3.4.4 and glibc2.3.5
attempted to use grub. segfault on: setup (hd0)
used LILO.
attempted to boot -- screen blacks out and goes inactive (sleep led)
attempted to install ubuntu 32
cannot use grub in ubuntu. cannot install lilo (again?) to /dev/hda
inserted universal boot cd
boot cd gets "devide by zero" errors when trying to use any fdisk tools.
running memtest86 currently.
cannot boot a windowsXP cd. I have a feeling this is MS's problem though...

Any idea how to get grub onto the MBR or fix this issue.
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HW problems. It's a VIA thing.

hardcore · l33t Joined: 01 Nov 2003 Posts: 626 Location: MSU, MI

Sounds as if your MBR is fubar, hopefully not a hardware problem. You could try using dd to zero the MBR, then try installing grub/lilo onto it.

I'm not near a command shell at the moment, so forgive me if there are errors in this command. Hopefully someone else can come along, and correct this:

where hdX is your harddrive

thechris · Veteran Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Posts: 1203

complains about the b=1024.

i had fixed the issue by repartionining the drive needlessly. i'm stuck in the same position again... seems i need to modify the partition table and reboot to use grub.
_________________
HW problems. It's a VIA thing.