kernel DESTROYED after latest update!!! (wubi?)

[deader69]

Ubuntu kernel COMPLETELY BROKEN!
Can't boot (note wubi).

Just ran software update today, as it recommended security updates,
and other sundry items.
It downloaded packages, requested reboot to complete, I clicked 'restart'.

NOTE: I installed Karmic with wubi, so I still have dual boot option (Ubuntu/Vista)

Ubuntu tried to restart, but couldn't find filesystem, or partition 0, or something.
(Sorry, can't remember the exact messages from the boot process)
I tried again, same problem,

Dual boot shows Vista or Ubuntu option.
Ubuntu option then shows .15 or .14 option (last digits of Ubuntu version),
showing that the boot loader detected some problem with the update.

So I booted into older .14 version. Okay.
Tried running Update Manager again, hoping it would figure things out.
HUGE mistake, it just did more damage.
It installed some more recommended packages (just headers, I think).
Requested I restart again.
I did.

Dual boot option, chose Ubuntu.

CRASH! I go straight into grub.
The kernel can't load.
Ubuntu is now COMPLETELY HOSED.

I typed 'boot' at the grub prompt: nothing.
I typed 'reboot' at the grub prompt,
got regular dual boot menu,
I chose Vista in order to file this report.

That update COMPLETELY BROKE MY MACHINE,
probably because 'wubi' is a separate partition?

THIS IS A CRITICAL BUG, YOU MIGHT WANT TO UNDO
THE RELEASE.

I will have to find a linux uber hacker to see if I can even
salvage my Ubuntu install.

Sorry I can't post more debug info, but I can't even get back
into Ubuntu!

Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop,
installed Ubuntu Karmic maybe 10 days ago,
via wubi (separate partition).

I also had 'proposed updates to Karmic' chosen as an option,
hoping to get fixes for buggy Adobe Flash plugin.

This is a HUGELY CRITICAL bug.

What can I try at the grub prompt?
How can I collect debug info for you guys?
How can I salvage my broken linux?

A full re-install via wubi will mean all data lost :-(.

[Gergely Imreh (imrehg)]

if you backup your root.disk file from the ubuntu/disks directory, you can access all your data even after a reinstall of wubi, eg. like this: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1007816

I had this as well, multiple (more than three) wubi installs failed for me after upgrades, though always in a different way. The latest break after -15 like you, though could go back to -14, and it works at the moment.
 Is either of these two reports similar to yours?
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/477169
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/477104

[deader69 (deader69)]

Gergely,

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have to do more research to actually understand all that!

Those two reports appear similar, though I can't say for sure since it's been weeks, and there was no way to capture any error or debug info when the kernel can't even boot ;-(.

I simply re-installed Ubuntu via wubi, and then re-installed everything else. Waste of time, yet a good review of the install process. I've avoided doing ANY updates since... will probably move all my data files over from Vista, then dedicate my laptop completely to Ubuntu. Though I'd like to master the grub & partition stuff before making the leap, in case I have the same problems. Looks like there's ways to boot from a live CD, and salvage the file system, as described in your links. Worth learning, before the next catastrophe!

[kimharding (harding-k)]

I have just had the same problem with Ubuntu 9.10, this sort of thing shouldn't happen with a stable release.

[Sergio Zanchetta (primes2h)]

Why that package affected?
Changing.