I've run into a bit of a situation. I had an encrypted Ubuntu operating system on my ThinkPad, and to try out Linux Mint without using virtualization, I connected a SATA SSD via USB-C to install Mint. During the installation, it seems that Mint might have wiped the configuration file for my main NVMe SSD, where Ubuntu was installed. Now, when I unplug the Mint SSD, my computer only boots to the Grub screen. I do have a live Ubuntu USB and have backed up all my files, but I wiped the SSD. How can I fix the Grub configuration so it points back to my NVMe SSD? I'd really prefer not to reinstall my entire operating system if I can avoid it.
5 Answers
You might also want to check out some installation tips from the wiki. Make sure to update your GRUB configuration after reinstalling by running `sudo update-grub` in your Ubuntu installation. And remember, it's always best to install over an ethernet connection and remove the boot media once you're done!
It looks like when you installed Mint on the external drive, it overwrote your Ubuntu's EFI partition with its own GRUB configurations. That's why your system can't find Ubuntu now. What you need to do is boot from your live USB, chroot into your Ubuntu installation, and reinstall GRUB. It might sound complex, but there are plenty of guides out there that will walk you through the process.
I recommend creating a live USB with Boot Repair. You can check out the instructions at their website. Just make sure your external SSD isn't connected when you do it. Boot from the Boot Repair USB and let it repair the UEFI boot sequence for your internal drive. After it's back up and running, you can use the BIOS Boot Menu to choose which device to boot from. The key to access the boot menu varies; for my Acer, it's F12, while for Asus PCs, it's F8. You might want to look up the specific key for your motherboard! Good luck!
Just a quick update! Using the live Ubuntu USB, I mounted all the necessary partitions, including the encrypted one, and successfully reinstalled GRUB. So everything is working now! Thanks to everyone for the help. This was a good lesson learned—always remove other SSDs when trying out new distros! Backup is key!
The issue is likely that the UEFI is set to look for the GRUB installed on your Mint SSD. You can fix it with a live USB and some manual drive adjustments. Just ensure you're clear on whether you're using EFI boot or legacy mode, since it can affect how the installation works.
Related Questions
Can't Load PhpMyadmin On After Server Update
Redirect www to non-www in Apache Conf
How To Check If Your SSL Cert Is SHA 1
Windows TrackPad Gestures