Master Boot Record fix

[KapeKopyTek]

Lets just say that "someone" with a company issued laptop had knee surgery, and while under the influence of prescription pain killers, thought it would be a good idea to experiment with Linux "Ultimate Edition" OS in said laptop, which he installed along side WinXP. Once clearer heads prevailed, he decided that was a bad idea, and wanted to remove said Ultimate Edition OS. Fine, except the Master Boot Record has been changed, and he has to boot the machine from the UE cd, from which he can select to start either UE or WinXP. He's tried a system restore, but that didn't work. He doesn't have the XP cd. Is there a way to fix the MBR (restore it to it's pre-UE install)? Thanks.

[justme75]

Re: Master Boot Record fix

you can try the "ultimate boot cd". it has several programs to fix the mbr.
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

[slimslob]

Re: Master Boot Record fix

The best way I know of requires the XP installation disk.

1. Boot from the CD.
2. Type "R" for repair console.
3. If prompted, select the appropriate drive and enter the administrator password
4. Type "fixboot" and press enter. Answer y when asked.

Reboot the computer.

[Tricky]

Re: Master Boot Record fix

Boot Repair might work

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Boot-Repair#Getting_Boot-Repair

This should hide the grub boot loader and boot windows normally.

You can then start "diskmgmt.msc" and possibly see the linux partition and delete it

[KapeKopyTek]

Re: Master Boot Record fix

Thank you both for your replies. Does he need the original XP cd licensed to this puter (which we don't have), or can he use any old XP cd (I have one for one of my machines at home)? We'll give it a shot, if that doesn't work, we'll try the software.

[Tricky]

Re: Master Boot Record fix

Any cd should work but the programs I suggested need no licenses.

[CanonSco]

Re: Master Boot Record fix

As said ,

Use any XP disc to boot into recovery. In recovery console use fixmbr command. Bobs your proverbial.


There are many other tools depending how fecked your system is. Try the above method first.

[RRodgers]

Re: Master Boot Record fix

And then tell your "friend" we have a VERY nice DONATION button that needs a click.