GRUB screen instead of install splash screen

varelg · #1 7th June 2006, 07:05 PM

Hi,
I have been installing and re-installing different Fedora versions on my dedicated Fedora box until I was introduced to the dark GRUB screen last time I attempted to install Fedora Core 1. After two unsuccesfull attempts to install FC 1 (complains about font utility) GRUB command line screen appeared instead of install splash screen. Install CD for Fedora is in the CD-ROM and the CD-ROM is said to be the first to boot from in the Boot section of the BIOS.
Now I cannot install any Fedora version since I cannot pass through GRUB. What steps do I need to take to be able to start installation of ANYTHING from the CD?
Contents of GRUB screen:
GNU GRUB version 0.97 (638K lower / 194496K upper memory)
[Minimal BASH-like editing is supported. For the first word, TAB lists possible command completions. Anywhere else TAB lists the possible completions of a device/filename.]
grub>_

***bob*** · #2 7th June 2006, 11:17 PM

Try a rescue CD or first install CD from FC4 or FC5 for a more 'modern' version of Grub:

1. Boot off the 1st Fedora CD or use the Fedora Rescue CD
2. At the boot prompt type 'linux rescue'
3. The rescue mode will find the fedora installation
4. Type 'chroot /mnt/sysimage' (without quotes)
5. Type 'grub-install /dev/hda' (to install Grub to the MBR of the 1st HD)"
6. Restart and you should get the boot menu

Failing that, fdisk the drive, remove the partitions and start over.

varelg · #3 8th June 2006, 02:44 AM

I would REALLY be happy if I could reach the rescue mode or being able to fdisk. However, GRUB screen is the first and only thing that comes up whatever CD is thrown in the tray, be it FC4, FC5, FC1 or Windows XP. Commands and addresses that you mentioned are not recognized by the GRUB as it has its own commands. Pressing TAB reveals a list, and I tried most of them, with no avail as to getting from the GRUB screen into anything else. There's no command for exit, quit or anything like that. Reboot, halt and clear is about all that produces some results (first two shut down the PC, clear clears the screen).
Is there ANY WAY to get off GRUb screen into anything else, even fdisk?!

***bob*** · #4 8th June 2006, 02:58 AM

Varelg, have you changed your boot order in your bios to boot from the CD-ROM first? It looks as if the hard drive is the first boot device now.

varelg · #5 8th June 2006, 03:11 AM

Yes, CDROM is the first booting device in boot order

***bob*** · #6 8th June 2006, 03:19 AM

Well, that's not a good sign. Think of it this way: You're telling your computer to look at the CD-Rom before it checks any other source for a boot, yet your computer ignores the CD-ROM and passes the boot to the hard drive where that black screen with 'grub' command are really located. I'd see about borrowing a fresh CD-Rom from a friend and checking it out, it may be broken.