Linux – boot Windows from GRUB rescue

grublinuxmbrUbuntu

This is my situation:

  • installed Ubuntu without a CD (using unetbootin)
  • dual boot installation (Windows XP+Ubuntu)
  • didn't like the installation and decided to boot into Windows and delete the Linux partitions
  • forgot to fix the mbr from within Windows

Now, when I boot, I am stuck in the GRUB rescue limbo.

Simple question:
How can I boot into Windows from GRUB rescue?

I cannot boot from CD, therefore the usual solutions (recovery CD etc) do not work.
An older question mentions the possibility to boot Windows but doesn't specify details: Ubuntu grub rescue prompt

Any hints?

Best Answer

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
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