Wubi doesn't start, with a “cannot mount /dev/dm-3” error

Question

I installed Wubi here, but when restart the pc I got the following screen:

And this "command line" "initramfs". How do I preceed from here?

--update

By the way, looks like my HD is raid. Not sure, because I really don't know how to check, and don't know if this changes anything for using Wubi.

Answer 1

• Your problem is that Wubi is not supported on software RAID arrays.
  • The error has nothing to do with NTFS. Wubi simply can't find the software raid volume /dev/dm-3.
  • Some users may get this to work on some systems, by building custom kernels, etc., but in general it's not a good idea.
• Note that Wubi NEVER writes to the MBR; it simply modifies the Windows bootloader configuration.
• With your software RAID, if you want to install Ubuntu without writing to the MBR, then you should do a normal Ubuntu install but towards the end, install the bootloader (GRUB) on the partition (i.e. NOT /dev/sda, but /dev/sda3 or similar).
  • Then you can use EasyBCD (on Windows 7) to create a bootloader entry/stub from the Windows 7 startup menu to start your Ubuntu.

Answer 2

I assume the following in adding this

• You can still boot to windows
• You see the screen, as shown, when you choose Ubuntu from the bootloader menu.

Now as it is almost confirmed that you have a RAID array, on which wubi is not supported , as @izx has already pointed out, you have two options IMO.

1. Follow what izx has suggested.
2. Remove the wubi install, using any of the method listed here, esp try bcdedit tool, if simple uninstall doesn't work.

If you prefer to proceed with the second option, you can still use ubuntu on your work's computer by Installing Ubuntu on an external hard disk or a USB drive.

Note : This is useful only if you cannot/don't wish to create a partition on the computer, but still want to use Ubuntu.

Answer 3

Put in the live CD, go to the Disk Utility and see if all your partitions are fine. If there's nothing wrong, then try running

e2fsck -v -f /dev/loop0

It is not guaranteed to work first time so I recommend you refer to the relevant threads over at ubuntuforums.com.

Answer 4

1. If you still can boot into windows then first install "EasyBCD 2.1.2" from softpedia.com. Go to BCD deployment tab, overwrite Windows 7 or XP boot-loader. Open "Add new entry" section. Open Linux/BSD tab. Click on type and select "Wubi" from there. Click on "Add entry".

   Go to BCD Deployment again and click on "Write MBR"

   Reboot.

2. If still the problem persists. Overwrite the boot-loader again. Delete all Ubuntu related files form system. (Use control panel to uninstall Ubuntu. Use "Ccleaner.exe" to clear any registry entries)

   Reinstall.