Restoring Master Boot Record from a busted dual boot setup

[JHJ]

Well now, here's a pretty problem: I recently installed Linux on my
laptop (Toshiba Qosmio). I wanted to get rid the Linux install because
it occupied an entire hard drive (D on my laptop (Toshiba Qosmio), so
My Computer didn't recognize the drive with Linux on it. The install
process created a dual boot setup using GRUB.

I wanted to get rid of Linux, but it has no uninstall facility, so I
decided to reformat drive D using the msmgmt.msc utility, and the
reformat worked just fine. However, when I rebooted, I found that the
boot loader (GRUB, set for dual WinXP/Linux boot) was not accessible at
boot time, so the boot process hangs waiting for a boot loader.

In retrospect, it seems that the boot record was on the now-reformatted
drive D. Now I'm up the creek with no way to boot.

I've tried reinstalling Windows from the CD drive, but the system
doesn't even get that far, just hangs looking for the GRUB loader.

Does anyone have a suggestion, or better yet, a solution to restoring
the boot loader to access the Windows partition on drive C?

All help appreciated.

Sadder - but I hope wiser pretty soon, with your help.

JHJ

 

[Rich Barry]

You could do it from the Recovery Console using the FixMBR command.
Hopefully you have the WinXP CD.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314058

Another way is to use a Win98 boot floppy disk. Set the A: Drive as
first boot device and when at the A:\ type:
fdisk /mbr. You can get one at www.bootdisk.com

 

[JHJ]

You could do it from the Recovery Console using the FixMBR command.
Hopefully you have the WinXP CD.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314058

Another way is to use a Win98 boot floppy disk. Set the A: Drive as
first boot device and when at the A:\ type:
fdisk /mbr. You can get one at www.bootdisk.com

Rich -

Thanks for the prompt reply. I tried the Fix MBR method, but
unfortunately, the boot process goes immediately into GRUB-seeking mode
and stalls before it even recognizes the WinXP CD. And unfortunately,
the computer has no floppy, so I can't go that route either.

I'll try various workarounds to see if I can get it to recognize the
WinXP CD.

Thanks again. If you have any more ides or suggestions, I'd be glad to
try them.

JHJ

 

[Rich Barry]

Try reinstalling Linux and see if it picks up your WinXP OS on the C:
drive.

 

[JHJ]

Try reinstalling Linux and see if it picks up your WinXP OS on the C:
drive.

Rich,

I tried that and it worked. At least I'm back now with two accessible
drives and two serviceable systems. I can try the fix to MBR now.

I very much appreciate your interest and follow-up.

JHJ