Add an entry for Ubuntu on Windows 8 boot loader

Question

I have installed Ubuntu 12.10 by creating free space in Windows 8 and then using that space to create 3 partitions, one for SWAP, one for GRUB (mounting point is /boot) and one for the actual OS. I did this so the Windows 8 boot loader wouldn't be overwritten in case I ever wanted to remove Ubuntu. I can still boot into Ubuntu if I select the boot loader from the BIOS.

I want to add Ubuntu to the Windows 8 boot loader and I've been told to use EasyBCD. The issue with that is it doesn't actually direct Windows to the GRUB file, but rather to something like autogrub0.mri. I have found another programme called Visual BCD which will allow me to actually set the bootloader paths and drives.

From here, I don't quite know what to do. I believe I have it set to the correct drive but I don't know if I'm directing to the right file. I think it's /boot/grub/x86_64-efi/grub.efi. I don't know if that's the right file, if I need to remove /boot or if the / need to be \ as that's what Windows uses.

Sorry for such a lengthy post, please help!

Answer 1

Hopefully you have figured something else out by now.

But just wanted to suggest that you not use the windows boot-loader, as it is incredibly fickle when it comes to recognizing Linux partitions. I've had it working fine, then had it go missing again after windows updated and I've also had it keep Ubuntu listed, but fail to actually boot to it both after upgrading Ubuntu versions and reinstalling Ubuntu.

Instead, it is very easy to use Grub, and if you ever decide that Ubuntu is not for you (which will hopefully never come up), you can use a 'secure remix' liveCD/USB to uninstall Ubuntu and run Boot Repair so that it loads directly into windows as it normally would. I've heard people say that they don't like Grub, but in my experience it rarely has troubles recognizing any other OS and when it does it is easy to fix by simply running Boot Repair, which has a great support system to help you should you encounter anything you can't resolve. (I don't imagine Microsoft is overly keen on helping you get your Ubuntu partition running, hence why you are asking here, not there.)

Again, hopefully you have figured something out, but I just wanted to make you, and anyone else who might have the same problem, aware that you will have a much harder time getting the windows boot-loader to work and will surely have more troubles with it in the end.