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General discussion

Got a windows, ubuntu partition want windows to load first

by jcdavies Nov 7, 2009 10:32AM PST

So just installed the new ubuntu with windows vista and am loving it so far. the only problem i have is that when ever i start the computer it instantly loads ubuntu. to go in to windows i have to push f12 at the dell screen to load the boot menu. is there any way so that i can change this around or at the very least just have it so that the boot menu automatically opens when i start the computer so i can choose which one i want.

the computer i am using is a dell inspiron530, with a intel 2140 @ 1.60ghz and 1 gig of ram

your help is greatly appreciated

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Most important: you have GRUB version 1 or 2?

by GODhack Nov 7, 2009 7:00PM PST

Most important: you have GRUB version 1 or 2?

If you have grub 1 you have to edit /boot/grub/menu.lst file from Ubuntu as superuser. Most direct approach is command:
sudo nano /boot/grub/menu.lst
(nano is just name of text editor you can use what you like gedit maybe etc.)
So you find line:
default 0
It means that first menu option is default, now you have to count title lines first is 0. Windows maybe next so 1 so change default 0 into:
default 1.

If you encounter problems you may paste your menu.lst file here I will edit it for you. If you have GRUB 2 also post here.

Be careful and do not mess around too much you may end up with no boot at all.

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