grub – How to Remove GRUB from Dual Boot (Debian and Windows XP)

debiangrubgrub2multi-bootwindows xp

I have a computer witch cannot be boot from CD or USB. I have Debian and Windows XP with dual boot via GRUB. Now I want to uninstall Debian and GRUB and restore the Windows MBR.

I can enter boot Debian and Windows OSes, but no boot from CD or USB for recovery. How can I remove GRUb and restore MBR from within Windows XP or Debian?

NOTE: I asked this question before, but after accepting the answer, I found that Windows XP does not have fdisk command. However, I think it is too late to continue the discussion there; thus, I asked this brand new question.

Best Answer

Recovery console has fixmbr which will do that for you. Found instructions how "Recovery console" can be started without CD. Repair MBR without CD I cannot test the procedure as I don't have XP anymore.

Quick steps:
Run "C:\Windows\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons"
Restart and select "Recovery console" during boot-up
Run "fixmbr"

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Linux – boot Windows from GRUB rescue

When GRUB is gone, so is the ability to boot into Windows. You would now need to boot from the Windows CD to restore the Master Boot Record (MBR). You can also use other boot CDs such as the Ultimate Boot CD for Windows, Bart PE or Hiren's Boot CD in case you don't have Windows installation media handy. Here are the steps:

Boot from the Windows CD and choose "Repair". Alternatively, boot from one of the other aforementioned boot CDs and run a command prompt.

For Windows 8 computers:

1. Insert disc
2. set boot order to disc at first priority
3. reboot, wait for installer to load
4. select language and keyboard type and click continue
5. DO NOT CLICK INSTALL, instead click repair my computer in the bottom left corner
6. click troubleshoot
7. click advanced
8. click command prompt and enter the commands below.

Add more tutorials for Operating Systems please.

Run the the following two commands in a command prompt:
```
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
```

Windows – How to Replace GRUB Boot Loader from Within Windows

As far as you can boot Windows use the following command at the Windows command prompt:

fdisk /mbr

then don't forget to set the active partition

Best Answer

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Linux – boot Windows from GRUB rescue

Windows – How to Replace GRUB Boot Loader from Within Windows

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