Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

[M344587487]

# in a script is a comment. # instead of $ in a terminal window at the prompt indicates that the terminal is opened as root instead of as a user. /dev contains special files mainly for interacting with devices (in Linux "everything is a file"). /dev/sda is your hard drive represented as a single file called a block device. In the example dd simply copies the block device representation of your hard drive to an actual file.

[storm5510]

Why does Ubuntu have to be such a SOB about starting properly? I have yet to get it to start on the first try. Typical has been 4 to 7 attempts. I learned, if I hold the Shift key down and the Grub appears, it will usually load, but not always.

[PhilF]

Originally Posted by storm5510

Why does Ubuntu have to be such a SOB about starting properly? I have yet to get it to start on the first try. Typical has been 4 to 7 attempts. I learned, if I hold the Shift key down and the Grub appears, it will usually load, but not always.

At the command prompt (either logged in as root or using sudo), try:

update-initramfs -u

Then:

update-grub

That might fix your grub configuration problem. Of course, you don't want anything to go wrong, so make sure you are backed up first. Murphy's Law states that if you are fully backed up, then you won't need it.

If the command update-initramfs isn't found, you may need to install the package "initramfs-tools".

[storm5510]

Originally Posted by PhilF

At the command prompt (either logged in as root or using sudo), try:

update-initramfs -u

Then:

update-grub

That might fix your grub configuration problem. Of course, you don't want anything to go wrong, so make sure you are backed up first. Murphy's Law states that if you are fully backed up, then you won't need it.

If the command update-initramfs isn't found, you may need to install the package "initramfs-tools".

There have been four minor updates since I installed it, I believe. I passed on 20.04. It seems to me like the grub should be shown without any user action, like holding down the Shift key. It's a slow loader with a "spinner." I put a SSD in my Windows 10 rig. A huge improvement. I imagine the result would be similar with Ubuntu.

[PhilF]

Originally Posted by storm5510

There have been four minor updates since I installed it, I believe. I passed on 20.04. It seems to me like the grub should be shown without any user action, like holding down the Shift key. It's a slow loader with a "spinner." I put a SSD in my Windows 10 rig. A huge improvement. I imagine the result would be similar with Ubuntu.

Those commands don't have anything to do with updating linux. They pertain to updating/recreating the current configuration files of initramfs and grub on your hard drive.

Once you are successfully booted in, I'm hoping that running those commands will make that configuration stick.

[storm5510]

Originally Posted by PhilF

...Once you are successfully booted in, I'm hoping that running those commands will make that configuration stick.

Much improved. Complete start-up on the first try. Thank you!