How to relocate MBR?

[juntjoo]

I have a dual boot setup between Ubuntu and Windows. Earlier it was Windows 10 but I didn't like it so downgraded to 7

After doing so erased Ubuntu MBR on accident so I fixed that successfully, but now the boot selection screen shows as it did before when I had Windows 10 showing a Windows 10 selection, which when I select it, it then takes me to the Windows 7 boot selection screen with the other option of "unetbootin", this Linux thing.

So it looks like I have two MBR partitions, the original one with my original Ubuntu and Windows 10, THEN I guess behind it somehow the one with Windows 7 and Unetbootin. So I guess when I installed Windows 7 it installed the MBR right in that partition rather than the original partition that I guess stands in front of the Windows 7 one. IDK exactly how this works.

Anyway, confusing but if anyone could help me get started, what utility/tool or built in Windows tool is there if any can I use to rearrange things so I basically I can save myself a step lol. I like things neat and don't want an extra place to store MBR's if possible. Thanks!

 

[Barman58]

What it looks like you have is two boot systems in use and the first has two items one of which calls the secondary two option. the issue here is I think that the first set of two is not a windows boot option but a Linux one. This is something to be followed up in a Linux forum to set the options to just the two you want, not the double layer you have now. I have not worked with Linux for several years but can recall that the original Grub loader often needed a complete re-install of all component operating systems to correct issues. Hopefully this is no longer the case

 

[Megahertz07]

A disk has only one MBR.
When you boot a disk, MBR on the disk takes you to a master boot loader. This boot loader can have more than an option. One option can be a OS and the second can be another boot loader.
In your case, the master boot loader is Grub that can take you to Ubuntu or Windows boot loader.
Windows boot loader can send you to Win 7 or back to Grub.

You can choose what Master Boot Loader you what to use, that is what boot loader you want to MBR send the sequence to:
Grub or Windows.

For now you can correct Grub so it doesn't call Win 10 (change name as the boot loader is the same)

Under Ubuntu open a cmd window and type: sudo update-grub
It will rebuild grub configuration.

If you want to keep Grub as the master boot loader, Install and run Easy BCD. You will be able to change Windows boot loader.
Delete grub option so you wont see a grub option under windows boot loader.

The sequence will be:
BIOS - MBR - Grub - (Option 1=Ubuntu or Option 2=Windows 7 (without options))

 

[juntjoo]

A disk has only one MBR.
When you boot a disk, MBR on the disk takes you to a master boot loader. This boot loader can have more than an option. One option can be a OS and the second can be another boot loader.
In your case, the master boot loader is Grub that can take you to Ubuntu or Windows boot loader.
Windows boot loader can send you to Win 7 or back to Grub.

You can choose what Master Boot Loader you what to use, that is what boot loader you want to MBR send the sequence to:
Grub or Windows.

For now you can correct Grub so it doesn't call Win 10 (change name as the boot loader is the same)

Under Ubuntu open a cmd window and type: sudo update-grub
It will rebuild grub configuration.

If you want to keep Grub as the master boot loader, Install and run Easy BCD. You will be able to change Windows boot loader.
Delete grub option so you wont see a grub option under windows boot loader.

The sequence will be:
BIOS - MBR - Grub - (Option 1=Ubuntu or Option 2=Windows 7 (without options))

Ah, that was educational. Okay, so my MBR opens up a "boot loader" "Gnu grub" which offers me Ubuntu & advanced options & win7(after reinstalling win7 and then fixing linux MBR a little differently than 1st time "win10" name was fixed)on "sda 2" & 3(I'll have to refer to linux forums to clean that up) which by your explanation are other boot loaders or links to a single boot loader either of which bring you to win boot manager(name of said boot loader?) with win7 and UNetbootin.

Still a little messy but it all works. I'm a little unclear about your suggesstion but I will go ahead and google "easy BCD". Your proposed end result sounds like what I want but what exactly will I be doing? Will I be removing the windows boot loader and somehow getting the direct windows installation option in the initial Grub boot loader? Thanks

 

[juntjoo]

What it looks like you have is two boot systems in use and the first has two items one of which calls the secondary two option. the issue here is I think that the first set of two is not a windows boot option but a Linux one. This is something to be followed up in a Linux forum to set the options to just the two you want, not the double layer you have now. I have not worked with Linux for several years but can recall that the original Grub loader often needed a complete re-install of all component operating systems to correct issues. Hopefully this is no longer the case

Thank you.

 

[Barman58]

Easy BCD was/is a small program that was used in Windows to manage all the entries in a multiboot system boot loader, from within Windows. I used to be totally free but some time ago switched to a Paid commercial program. It was the best option for getting everything loading as you wanted it at a time when both Grub and windows bootloader management was rather complex.

It's not essential and as you appear to have grub as your bootloader of choice, I would not suggest you purchase it as it is designed to add Linux and other non Windows options to the Windows Bootloader

EasyBCD - NeoSmart Technologies

The old last free version is I believe still available but I'm not certain how compatible it is with the latest versions of both Windows and Linux. EasyBCD 2.3 Download - TechSpot

 

[Megahertz07]

There is free option. You just need to register - Software Library - NeoSmart Technologies

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
I prefer a simple way to dual or more booting with one of these
Shutdown and remove and insert another ssd or 2.5 hdd
Amazon.com: Vantec 2.5-Inch Dual Bay Trayless SATA III - 6G Mobile Rack (MRK-225S6-BK): Computers & Accessories

 

[juntjoo]

Easy BCD was/is a small program that was used in Windows to manage all the entries in a multiboot system boot loader, from within Windows. I used to be totally free but some time ago switched to a Paid commercial program. It was the best option for getting everything loading as you wanted it at a time when both Grub and windows bootloader management was rather complex.

It's not essential and as you appear to have grub as your bootloader of choice, I would not suggest you purchase it as it is designed to add Linux and other non Windows options to the Windows Bootloader

EasyBCD - NeoSmart Technologies

The old last free version is I believe still available but I'm not certain how compatible it is with the latest versions of both Windows and Linux. EasyBCD 2.3 Download - TechSpot

Thanks. Well for simplicity I'd like them both on one boot loader. This program could do that no? And I the process erase grub?

 

[juntjoo]

There is free option. You just need to register - Software Library - NeoSmart Technologies

Thank you

 

[juntjoo]

Hi,
I prefer a simple way to dual or more booting with one of these
Shutdown and remove and insert another ssd or 2.5 hdd
Amazon.com: Vantec 2.5-Inch Dual Bay Trayless SATA III - 6G Mobile Rack (MRK-225S6-BK): Computers & Accessories

Thanks but that's too much extra stuff.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Extra stuff makes my life easier and a lot less complicated

 

[Layback Bear]

juntjoo; please correct your system specs. It appears you have a laptop and not a desktop.

Your specs.

Computer type PC/Desktop
System Manufacturer/Model Number Acer Aspire TimelineX
OS Win 7 64
CPU Intel i5 520UM
Memory 4gb DDR3
Graphics Card Integrated

Acer Store | Laptops | Acer

Jack