Grub Shows Too Many Choices..... Wrong Boot Order Too

**SurferJoe46** · 10-02-2019, 08:27 AM

When I get to the grub screen, my primary boot has moved down in the list and is the 4th line down and there are about 6 more somewhat repetitive lines related to Mint, then the last three lines is related to Linux Lite - a very small distro that I use when I don't want any nonsense running, distracting me.

I want to return Mint to the top of the pile and get rid of the other permutations of Mint under it.

**fred_fish** · 10-02-2019, 05:10 PM

Use your package manager to purge the old kernels, then run update-grub to regenerate the menu.

**SurferJoe46** · 10-02-2019, 05:19 PM

I guess I spooked myself when I read that taking out old kernals was dangerous.

The 'Kernal Cleaner" is supposed to leave the last, most recent three and take out any others. BUT a lot of people said it's dangerous as it will clean out all the older ones and you need something on which to fall back in case you uck up the current one.

I'm going to try it and see what happens.... I may be using my tablet for a few days if this doesn't work out...... I MAY have a few questions in a minute or two........

If not --- see youse guys later - maybe.

**SurferJoe46** · 10-02-2019, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by fred_fish

Use your package manager to purge the old kernels, then run update-grub to regenerate the menu.

Where in the Package Manager will that ability to purge the old kernals be?

**fred_fish** · 10-02-2019, 05:40 PM

Just find the kernel packages (usually linux-image-XX-blah...) and purge (or "mark for complete removal").
Check the version numbers you are removing aren't the running one (find that with "uname -a" or such).

You usually only need to keep one as a "last known good" one when upgrading, so if the new kernel won't boot, or won't compile your custom modules for wifi/video etc. then you still have a working fallback.

**SurferJoe46** · 10-02-2019, 06:03 PM

uname-a gave me this:

Linux SurfersMintu1 4.4.0-121-generic #145~14.04.1-Ubuntu SMP Mon Apr 16 18:40:43 UTC 2018 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

Is that time stamp important?

**SurferJoe46** · 10-02-2019, 06:08 PM

So I delete all but that right?

**SurferJoe46** · 10-02-2019, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by fred_fish

Just find the kernel packages (usually linux-image-XX-blah...) and purge (or "mark for complete removal").
Check the version numbers you are removing aren't the running one (find that with "uname -a" or such).

You usually only need to keep one as a "last known good" one when upgrading, so if the new kernel won't boot, or won't compile your custom modules for wifi/video etc. then you still have a working fallback.

I went into the Synaptic Package Manager and when I typed in 'kernal' in the SEARCH --- nada!

See? This is what I mean ---- Linux gives partial information and information that doesn't get the same yield as when you do follow these instructions.