How to Change the Boot Order for Ubuntu on XP

Ubuntu is a Linux-based open source operating system that is freely available for download. You install Ubuntu along with another operating system such as Windows XP by creating a new partition for Ubuntu while leaving the other OS intact. With a dual-boot system, such as Ubuntu installed with Windows XP, the Ubuntu installation writes a new boot menu, listing Ubuntu as the first entry. To change the boot order for Ubuntu on XP, first reboot the computer and log in to Ubuntu. Perform the task to edit the dual boot menu in the Ubuntu environment.

Instructions

1. Log in to Ubuntu with your user ID and password.

2. Click the "Applications" link from the top taskbar, then click "Accessories." Click "Terminal" to open the Terminal (command line) window.

3. Type the following command in the Terminal window at the prompt and press the "Enter" key.

   sudo cp /boot/grub/menu.lst /boot/grub/menu.lst_backup

   This command backs up the current boot settings.

4. Type the following command in the Terminal window and press the "Enter" key.

   gksudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst

   This command opens the boot menu list in the Gedit text editor, and gives you temporary Administrator rights to edit the file.

5. Find the line "default 0" in the description block of the Ubuntu entry in the menu list file. This defines the entry as the default operating system. Change the "0" to "1."

6. Type "0" for the Windows XP entry that currently reads "default 1." Alternatively, type the word "saved" instead of the number. The boot menu lists the last "saved" operating system first.

7. Click "File" and "Save." The menu list is now saved.

8. Reboot the computer to view the new order in the boot list.

References

• Ubuntu Documentation: Grub How To - Change Default OS