Ubuntu 10.04/Mint 9 boot ending in a blank screen?

I have found some info about a problem I hit on an oldish notebook with an Intel 815 IGP. Hope it helps more people.

Ubuntu Grub2 default system the easy way

If you have already installed Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic) you probably noticed the new GRUB2 boot loader. But what if you need to change the default startup system? What if you need to start the Windows partition ydefault (e.g. for your wife or kids)? Do not despair - there is no need to study those config files, the solution is pretty simple. Just locate and install a package called "startupmanager". Once you install it you can use it to choose your default system, splash image etc..
I just wonder why it is not installed by default.