grub loading stage1.5 error 17 - cannot get to recovery console

[tohlibird]

Hi,
I have had both windows XP and Ubuntu on my computer. Today I formatted windows and now when I boot I get the message:

GRUB Loading stage1.5.
GRUB Loading, please wait...
Error 17

I have read the advice given to other users with the same problem and got an XP installation CD, but when I reboot, I cannot get to the recovery console to fix the problem. It wont let me press any button or enter a command line and always goes to Error 17.

I have Sony Vaio PCG-7L1M bought in 2004.

Any idea what I should do?

Thanks...

[devils casper]

Hi and Welcome !

Try to re-install GRUB. Boot up from Ubuntu LiveCD, open Terminal and execute this

sudo grub

You will get a grub prompt, grub>
Execute this:

find /boot/grub/stage1

If you get "Error 15: File not found", try the following:

find /grub/stage1

Using this information, set the root device (fill in X,Y with whatever the find command returned):

root (hdX,Y)
setup (hd0)
quit

Reboot machine.