Dual-boot Windows 7 with SafeBoot and Ubuntu

Environment :
Windows 7
Ubuntu 12.04
SafeBoot aka McAfee Endpoint Encryption

Description :
What is SafeBoot ?
SafeBoot is a McAfee product which defunct back in 2009. Cooperate are using McAfee Endpoint Encryption nowadays (2012). McAfee Endpoint Encryption provide full disk encryption prevents exposure of sensitive data on laptops and desktop computers (especially in the event of PC loss or theft) with transparent encryption; enforce strong access control with two- and three-factor, pre-boot authentication.

This document the step I used to install McAfee Endpoint Encryption and got it to dual boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu.

1. To install Windows 7 on a computer without an operating system
2. Resize Windows 7 partition size to prepare space for Ubuntu
3. Install Ubuntu alongside Windows 7
4. Prepare bootloader for Safeboot
5. Install McAfee Endpoint Encryption
6. Testing dual boot setting
7. Final tweaks

Final tweaks:
1. Boot into Ubuntu
2. Bring the Terminal
3. Issue command "sudo gedit /etc/default/grub"

Make sure the GRUB settings below are followed. This settings is for hidding the GRUB selection, else you need to select twice in order to get into Ubuntu.

GRUB_DEFAULT=0
GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=0
GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT_QUIET=true
GRUB_TIMEOUT=0
GRUB_DISABLE_OS_PROBER=true

Prepare bootloader for Safeboot

Environment :
Windows 7
Ubuntu

Installation / Usage :
This would be the most critical part in getting the dual boot to work properly with SafeBoot/McAfee Endpoint Encryption installed. We are using a method called "chain loading".

Pre-requisite:
A) Windows 7 installed (Without SafeBoot/McAfee Endpoint Encryption)
B) Ubuntu installed (During boot, GRUB is the boot manager)

The following step is to backup the Ubuntu bootloader:
1. Login Ubuntu
2. Issue the command "df" without quotes and note down the entry which says "Mounted on "/" .. what is the /dev/sda?
3. Issue the command "sudo grub-install --force /dev/sda?" .. where sda? is referring from result from step #2
4. Backup the bootloader, issue the command "dd if=/dev/sda of=grub.bin bs=512 count=1" (you can specify the thumbdrive at the 'of' paramenter)

The following step is to default the bootloader back to the original Windows 7 bootloader:
1. Boot PC
2. Press F8 after BIOS and Before Windows logo (Bring up the recovery console)
3. Select "Command Prompt"
4. Issue the command "bootrec /fixmbr"
5. Reboot

Upon reboot you should see the generic Window boot selection and GRUB is missing. This is expected.

6. Boot into Windows 7
7. Copy the grub.bin file from the thumbdrive into C:\Windows\System32

The following step is to update the Windows 7 boot menu to add the entry for Ubuntu:

9. Open a command prompt (Run > cmd)
10. Issue the following command to update the boot menu

BcdEdit commands:

    10a. Create a ID for the entry "Ubuntu"
    bcdedit /create /d "Ubuntu" /application BOOTSECTOR
    The entry {5a9684fa-9ec0-11e1-a7c3-00137290c993} was successfully created.
   
    * eg. ID -> {5a9684fa-9ec0-11e1-a7c3-00137290c993}
    * Copy the ID generated from this command as it will be reference in the following commands
   
    10b. Specifying which partition contains the bootloader (grub.bin)
    bcdedit /set {5a9684fa-9ec0-11e1-a7c3-00137290c993} device partition=c:
   
    10c. Specifying the path to the bootloader (grub.bin)
    bcdedit /set {5a9684fa-9ec0-11e1-a7c3-00137290c993} path \Windows\System32\grub.bin
   
    10d. Add the entry to the boot menu
    bcdedit /displayorder {5a9684fa-9ec0-11e1-a7c3-00137290c993} /addlast
   
    10e. Specifying menu display time
    bcdedit /timeout 10

11. Verify the Window 7 boot menu has the entry
Right-click "Computer" > Advanced system settings > Advanced > Startup and Recovery > Settings >
Under the drop down of "Default operating system", you should see Ubuntu.

12. Reboot and Choose the "Ubuntu" entry
13. GRUB should be loaded if all had been done properly
14. Allow it to boot into Ubuntu to see if it working properly

! For Windows XP users, you can edit the Boot.ini file and specify the path to the Linux bootloader
! For Windows 7 users, you can download a software called EasyBCD which is free and edit the boot menu entries via a GUI. It also has an option to default the boot loader back to Windows 7 original.

Install Ubuntu alongside Windows 7

Environment :
Windows 7
Ubuntu 12.04 (LTS)

Installation / Usage :
This guide covers the installation of the Ubuntu AFTER installing Windows 7. Because Windows OS installation will replace the Master Boot Record (MBR) with its and replace GRUB.

Prior to install Ubuntu, make sure you prepare enough harddisk space for the installation.

1. Download Ubuntu 32/64bit [LINK]
2. Burn ISO onto DVD or Create a Ubuntu bootable USB drive
3. Boot the Ubuntu installer
4. Select English
4. Select the option "Install Ubuntu"
5. Select English > Continue
6. Needs atleast 4.4GB harddisk space / Connection to internet (optional)
7. Install Ubuntu alongside Windows 7
8. Select Timezone
9. Select Keyboard layout English (US)
10. Choose a computer name
11. Account to import - NO
12. Installation done, restart the machine

Setting a goal and making sure you are on track

"The difference between a GOAL and a DREAM, is a DEADLINE"

Setting a goal is easy as we do it yearly during New Year Eve ... aka New Year Resolutions ! But how many of the NYR do we push behind our mind after March :) Defining SMART goal will help you getting to it with a more strategic plan.

S - Specific (or Significant)
M - Measurable (or Meaningful)
A - Attainable (or Action-Oriented)
R - Relevant (or Rewarding)
T - Time-bound (or Trackable)

eg: Attaining CCIE certification before age 35 by studying/understanding all the technology listed under the exam blueprint and practicing each technology using the lab workbook.

Give yourself a realistic time frame you can achieve the goal. CCIE in 3 month (Are you joking with me ?)

"besides those 3 months of dedication, there were many years of working experience. I just wanted to make clear that it's very difficult (if not impossible) to get the CCIE with only 3 months of preparation." - Tassos (CCIE™ #19858)

Putting your goal in writing is very powerful, write it down and stick it where you'll see it often to remind yourself about it. 

How to make sure you ain't deviating from your goal ?
You need to track your progress ! Write them down on the calendar to remind yourself and see your progress. Google Calendar is a free and great service that allow you to keep track your progress. [LINK]