What to do when you mess up

Should you need to repair the Ubuntu bootloader after trying to install a dual-boot system, the Ubuntu wiki has some great instructions for helping to repair the bootloader. The link is help.ubuntu.com/community/RecoveringUbuntuAfter InstallingWindows. The recommended way would be to use an Ubuntu live CD or USB that you created when first installing Ubuntu. The simple graphical way is to insert your disk or flash drive, reboot the computer and boot into the live CD environment. From this environment, you can choose the Boot Repair tool which is built into the Live CD. The boot repair guides you through solving more frequent problems, such as those associated with dual-boot and can also generate error reports that you can share on forums or email to your genius friends who are more Linux savvy to get help with the issue. For recovering Ubuntu, you can click ‘Recommended Repair’ and allow it to work its magic. Then all you have to do is reboot and the usual boot menu should appear. If not, you can hold left Shift key while booting to select between the two operating systems. You can also try to repair it by opening a terminal. When you are given a standard Bash prompt, type: # sudo grub-install /dev/XXX Replace ‘XXX’ with your Ubuntu install device (eg. /dev/sdb).