How To: Repair a Broken Bootloader

[cypher-neo]

I've seen so many users need this advice, I decided to write a tutorial about it.
This is a common problem, especially for users who dual-boot with Windows. Windows loves updating itself with innocent sounding updates, but occasionally on these innocent updates Windows will overwrite the bootloader (rendering the computer unbootable, or only able to boot Windows). Here's the fix!

You will need a Mint Live disc, or Live USB.

1. 1. Boot into your Linux LiveCD (best to use the same version as the one you are recovering).

• 2. Open Terminal and type:

Code: Select all

sudo fdisk -l

• 3. Under this list you can see which one is the Linux Mint partition. It’s usually /dev/sda1/ unless you are dual-booting.
  You need to mount the Linux Mint partition so you can access it. To do this, type:

(Replace X with the correct letter, and Y with the correct number)

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sudo mount /dev/sdXY /mnt

• 4. Now you need to tell Linux Mint to install grub2 to the partition you just mounted. To do this, type:

(replace X with correct letter) (It is IMPORTANT that you do NOT enter any number, just the letter of the partition)

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sudo grub-install --root-directory=/mnt/ /dev/sdX

• 5. Now reboot the computer. You should see a GRUB menu pop up when the reboot is done.

• 6. If the list is not complete, or if you are dual-booting you may need to refresh GRUB so it detects any Windows partitions. To do this, log in, and open a Terminal and type:

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sudo update-grub

[jimvgill]

This was an excellent tutorial! Solved my problem. Thank you!@

[ibmjayhill]

Thank You!! Worked like a champ.

[AndyMH]

I believe this will only work with legacy boot, UEFI is a bit more complicated.

[drrummer]

Sudo not found.

[all41]

Sudo not found.

sudo should not be capitalized
Now days just boot into live desktop mode using your install .iso flash or dvd
and run the Boot Repair utility from the menu

[drrummer]

I didn't when I typed in the cmd window.

[all41]

I didn't when I typed in the cmd window.

cmd window?? Did you try to run those commands in Windows? (cmd.exe)
The tutorial instructs those to be run while booted to a live desktop using your install flash/dvd

[t42]

you are here:
Board index - Main Edition Support - Tutorials

Forum rules
Please don't add support questions to tutorials,start your own thread in the appropriate sub-forum instead. Before you post please read this

[drrummer]

I didn't when I typed in the cmd window.

cmd window?? Did you try to run those commands in Windows? (cmd.exe)
The tutorial instructs those to be run while booted to a live desktop using your install flash/dvd

No. I used the Linux cmd window.

[Moem]

Mod note:
This is a tutorial topic, which means it's not a place to ask questions (see the hint in the pink box near the top of the page). It's also years old and may be outdated. Locking the thread now.