Boot Repair

Boot-Repair is a simple tool to repair frequent boot issues you may encounter in Ubuntu like when you can't boot Ubuntu after installing Windows or another Linux distribution, or when you can't boot Windows after installing Ubuntu, or when GRUB is not displayed anymore, some upgrade breaks GRUB, etc.

Boot-Repair lets you fix these issues with a simple click, which (generally reinstalls GRUB and) restores access to the operating systems you had installed before the issue. 

Boot-Repair also has advanced options to back up table partitions, back up bootsectors, create a Boot-Info (to get help by email or forum), or change the default repair parameters: configure GRUB, add kernel options (acpi=off ...), purge GRUB, change the default OS, restore a Windows-compatible MBR, repair a broken filesystem, specify the disk where GRUB should be installed, etc.

For the purpose of helping the forum and IRC members help you diagnose issues with your boot setup, Boot-Repair (provided it has a network connection) will create a Ubuntu pastebin link for you to share that allows experienced members to see what's wrong with your boot. Ubuntu's Pastebin is not easily indexable or searchable, and purpose of the tool which creates this page (Boot-Info) is meant to be a very benign and helpful solution to the problem. The intention is not violate your privacy, nor is it meant to make you a target. This tool is aimed entirely at those new to Ubuntu who want to get past their booting issues and enjoy using Linux. If you'd like to, you may completely opt out of all internet usage including pastebin link generation by looking at the Advanced Options section below. Please do not use this software if this is a problem for you.

Boot-Repair is a free software, licensed under GNU-GPL. 

Getting Boot-Repair

1st option : get a disk including Boot-Repair

The easiest way to use Boot-Repair is to create a disk containing the tool (eg Boot-Repair-Disk, a disk starting Boot-Repair automatically), and boot on it.

Remark : it is recommended to install the ISO on a live-USB (eg via UnetBootin or LiliUSB or Universal USB Installer). Do not burn it on a DVD if your computer has Windows8 pre-installed, or if your boot is in EFI mode.

2nd option : install Boot-Repair in Ubuntu

- either from an Ubuntu live-session (boot your computer on a Ubuntu live-CD or live-USB then choose "Try Ubuntu") or from your installed Ubuntu session (if you can access it)

- connect to the Internet

- open a new Terminal, then type the following commands (press Enter after each line):

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair



sudo apt-get update



sudo apt-get install -y boot-repair && boot-repair

Using Boot-Repair

Recommended repair

• launch Boot-Repair from either :
  • the Dash (the Ubuntu logo at the top-left of the screen)
  • or by typing 'boot-repair' in a terminal
• Then click the "Recommended repair" button. When repair is finished, note the URL (paste.ubuntu.com/XXXXX) that appeared on a paper, then reboot and check if you recovered access to your OSs.
• If the repair did not succeed, indicate the URL to people who help you by email or forum.

Warning: the default settings are the ones used by the "Recommended Repair". Changing them may worsen your problem. Don't modify them before creating a BootInfo URL, and asking for advice on Ubuntu Forums Absolute Beginners Section or in Installation and Upgrades.

Advanced options

* If you would like to opt-out of the paste.ubuntu.com link creation (Not recommended for inexperienced users who are seeking help from a forum or IRC member), you can. Simple click on the Advanced Options, and find the "Other Options" tab. Uncheck "Upload the report to a pastebin".

* The log may include UUIDs, LUKS headers, hex dump of your first sectors of your drives, device serial numbers, your username and more.