How do I set Windows as the default OS on dual boot Kubuntu?

eddy

Please would you k/ubuntu experts advise me on how to edit the menu.lst to change the default OS to Windows.

Using konqueror, I'm browsing to /boot/grub and double-clicking menu.lst to open it in Kate.

The top section of the file looks like this:

## default num
# Set the default entry to the entry number NUM. Numbering starts from 0, and
# the entry number 0 is the default if the command is not used.
#
# You can specify 'saved' instead of a number. In this case, the default entry
# is the entry saved with the command 'savedefault'.
# WARNING: If you are using dmraid do not change this entry to 'saved' or your
# array will desync and will not let you boot your system.
default 0


First question: Do I need to change the current default of 0 to 3, or 4?

The boot menu options are:

Ubuntu, kernel 2.6.17-10 generic
Ubuntu, kernel ... recovery mode
Ubuntu, memtest86+
Other operating systems:
Microsoft Windows XP Home edition


Second question: How do I get around the error that stops the edited file from being saved:

The document could not be saved, as it is not possible to write to the file:///boot/grub/menu.lst.
Check that you have write access to this file or that enough disk space is available.

Disc space is not a problem, and I thought I did have the required access. How do I check and if necessary how do I acquire that access?

Thanks.

bat999

Hi
Where it says 'default 0' it's the 0 that needs to be changed.
It's set now to 0 to boot the first item on the menu by default.

[STRIKE]So change it to 3 to boot the fourth item on the menu (Windows) by default instead.
[/STRIKE]
So change it to 4 to boot the fifth item on the menu (Windows) by default instead.

To edit that menu.lst file you need to be supervisor.
So you need to open konqueror by typing this into the monitor:-

sudo konqueror

Then it will ask for your password.
Then browse for the file and open it, make your change then save it.
Then close it and reboot.
:cool:

Zagu

bat999 wrote: »

So change it to 3 to boot the fourth item on the menu (Windows) by default instead.

I think youll have to change it to 4, at least thats what I had to do.

gavinp

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GrubHowto/ChangeDefaultOS

bat999

Zagu wrote: »

I think youll have to change it to 4, at least thats what I had to do.

Yes, you are correct.
gavinp's link says that:-
It is important to note that each lines such as "Other Operating Systems" should be counted as well.
My bad

eddy

Thanks guys - I knew I could rely on you for the correct advice.
I've changed the default OS to Windows using

1. Applications menu -> Accessories -> Terminal
2. kdesu kate /boot/grub/menu.lst
3. Change the default from 0 to 4